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Teenagers in Today’s Society: Situations and Decisions

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Teenagers in Today’s Society: Situations and Decisions

Adolescents throughout the decades, past and present, have all felt the social pressure to

fit into a certain clique. They all feel that urge to associate themselves with the popular group

and will try anything to meet those standards of today’s society. Teenage social conformity and

lack of individuality is an issue in Joyce Carol Oates’ story, “Where Are You Going, Where

Have You Been?” Oates demonstrates throughout her story that an adolescent’s sense of

approval from their peers could lead them into making rash and carless decisions.

Many people believe they need to dress and behave in a certain manner if they want to be

liked by their peers. Unfortunately, today’s society is all about paying attention to how someone

dresses instead of how they present themselves. Some girls do not realize that dressing in a sexy

way could make them seem vulnerable to some individuals. Oates’ story stated that Connie

“wore a pull-over jersey blouse that looked one way when she was at home and another way

when she was away from home.” Connie did attract attention from boys her age with her altered

clothing but she also attracted negative attention from an older man named Arnold.

Adolescents strive for other’s attention so they can achieve that level of being wanted.

There is evidence of this in the story when Connie is at a drive-in with her friends. She is

intrigued by what appears to be a young man staring at her and giving her the attention she

wanted. This young man catches her staring back and makes the statement “gonna get you baby”

to Connie. She doesn’t realize that this attention is not harmless flirtation she is used to but that

Arnold has alternative motives.

When teenagers are forced to make rash decisions because of peer pressure

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