The topic of individualism or identity is a prevalent obstacle that modern teenagers face. Adolescence can be a perplexing and influential time, shaping the growth of each teenager. While many teenagers successfully navigate this phase and establish their own sense of self, some struggle to fully grasp their true identity. This lack of comprehension can lead to diverse challenges in their future adulthood.
When a child is born, they receive care for about three to four years. However, once the child begins attending school, certain changes occur. These changes are typically minor as the child retains their innocence and does not yet understand or feel concerned about fitting in with others.
Adolescence marks a crucial stage in a child’s life, transforming their confidence into teenage awkwardness. Thoughts that never crossed their mind before now burden the teenage mind. The paramount concern for teenagers is being accepted and popular among their peers. They believe that conforming to others’ actions is the simplest means to gain others’ approval. Thus, a pattern emerges.
Teenagers establish expectations for themselves by observing famous individuals or possibly even peers. They may go to extreme measures like starving themselves to achieve a thinner physique, purchasing expensive clothing, and adopting similar interests as others. However, the unsettling nature of this stage in a person’s life results in a decreased sense of self-assurance. In their quest to be accepted, popular, or simply avoid being disliked, teenagers often surrender their ability to think independently.
Many people simply follow the opinions of others, which can be risky. Teenagers, in particular, face numerous implicit expectations both from themselves and from society. Society has established a notion that there is a specific standard for both girls and boys to shape their values, beliefs, and conduct upon. Although these expectations are just fragments of a larger picture, they are unreasonable and compel teenagers to establish impractical standards for themselves. The lack of acceptance for individuality ultimately causes suffering and fosters the notion that being different is undesirable.
Insecurity is a significant issue for many adults, as the struggle to find oneself may result in depression and self-destruction. Teenagers face the daunting task of discovering their own identity, which is a crucial decision for anyone. Despite societal expectations, I believe that if teenagers make choices based on their genuine desires, they will ultimately realize that being an individual is the best option. Only when one truly knows themselves can they genuinely perceive the world around them. It appears that the only battle we are fighting is within ourselves. The teenagers of today have the power to bring about change in the world, so let us celebrate the uniqueness in every individual.
