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The Struggle Of Identity In 'She's All That'

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Teen films offer relatable stories that reflect the culture of American youth. The film plots are of dramatic struggles such as social status differences, first loves and the struggle of identity. Teen films are not a true reflection of reality; but a small point of a real experience used and over dramatized for entertainment value. In teen films, there are two influences that can become a teen’s enemy, their peers, and figures of authority. On, the surface peers and their interactions seem to have a strong influence during the teen/ high school period, which cause them to act or react to their environment. When, closely studied we find that a teen's underlying motives prove that figures of authority have more of a lasting influence beginning during their formative years proving more …show more content…
Thru the movie you see the main characters struggle with their parents, and their acceptance causing them to have social issues with their peers and struggling to find who they truly are as individuals. Zach can’t tell his father he doesn’t want to go to the school of his father’s choice. Until, his father finds the letter and questions him and Zach: finally, tells him, “No Dad that is where you want to go,” (Abrams & Iscove, 1999). This situation influences his interest in Laney because of her freedom to choose her passion in life because of the support of her father and brother. Despite, the support given Laney feels withdrawn and incomplete due to the loss of her mother at a young age. Laney can’t relate to the other teens because she feels she has to care for her father and brother. This movie is an example of how teens in teen movies are ultimately influenced by roles of authority like parents causing them to hold distinctive social roles due to the authority represented in their

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