Hidden Pressures: How Society Suffocates

Dear readers, today I’m going to address problems and situations that many people have either overlooked, ignored, or simply heard about without fully understanding how dire the situation is. I’d like to state that this is my personal opinion, and I won’t force it upon you. However, I ask that you understand where I’m coming from and keep an open mind.

Let’s start with the fact that children are being bullied in schools for having disorders and disabilities they can’t control, by students and sometimes teachers. People are being shamed for their appearance—what they wear, what they eat, how much they weigh, how tall they are, and how short they are. Society pressures us to conform to unrealistic standards, driving individuals to buy more makeup, use weight loss drugs, and rely on excessive skin care products.

A significant factor in these pressures is social media. Students are constantly engaged in checking their followers, likes, and comments, which can be an immense source of stress and anxiety. The relentless pursuit of validation through social media can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. It becomes another layer of pressure on top of the societal and peer expectations they already face. This constant need for approval can impact their mental health and academic performance, creating a cycle of stress and distraction.

But why do we do these things? It’s because of societal expectations, social media, the internet, and the pressure from peers and friends to conform to these social norms. You can’t simply tell everyone to put their phones down or delete social media; people have become so accustomed to this toxic lifestyle that it’s suffocating. Kids are growing up faster than they should, juggling home, school, and sometimes work, all because of societal pressures.

The average child has an eight-hour school day, completes assignments, and might have additional homework, along with one or even three chores. They may also have younger or older siblings, strict parents, or jobs after school with bosses they need to report to. All these demands add pressure and can be incredibly frustrating to deal with. On top of that, they are concerned about what their peers might think of them, adding even more pressure. While this is not the case for all children—many have a more typical social life, with an eight-hour school day followed by hanging out with friends and completing their home responsibilities—this overwhelming stress is a significant issue for many.

Additionally, some children are not even allowed to go outside. Due to societal concerns and the prevalence of firearms in American households—often one to two per household—parents may restrict their children’s outdoor activities out of fear. This is especially true for families of ethnic minorities who may be more apprehensive about their children’s safety. These parents might keep their children confined to the household to protect them from potential harm or from dangerous situations. While this protective instinct is understandable, it can also hinder a child's development. Limited exposure to the outside world can restrict their opportunities for growth and independence, making it harder for them to navigate life as they grow older.

Another pressing issue involves educators. In some states, students have had to deal with criminal and inappropriate behavior from teachers, including instances where educators have been found to physically abuse students. Despite such behavior being illegal in many states, some of these educators are rehired by other schools, despite their troubling pasts. This situation not only jeopardizes the safety and well-being of students but also creates a climate of fear where students might feel too intimidated to report abuse. Furthermore, there are educators who simply neglect their responsibilities, telling students to look up information online rather than providing direct support. This lack of engagement can significantly hinder students' learning experiences.

Dress codes are another area where inconsistencies can cause frustration. While dress codes are intended to maintain a standard of attire, some schools enforce them in a way that feels excessive or unreasonable. For example, students may be penalized for wearing pink shoes that don't match their uniform, or a kippah that clashes with a teacher’s personal views on religion. Additionally, there are instances where students are dress-coded for wearing something as benign as a shirt with a harmless opinion, while teachers can wear shirts with their own opinions without issue. While dress codes regarding cleavage, open-toed shoes, and large hoop earrings may be understandable, some rules seem overly strict and unjust. No student should be punished for minor dress code infractions, particularly when they have not engaged in any disruptive behavior.

If you’ve finished reading this, thank you very much for taking the time to consider my thoughts and opinions. You may not agree with everything I’ve said, but I appreciate that you read all the way through. I’ve based these statements on interviews with real people to provide a well-rounded perspective. Thank you once again for your attention, and have a good day.

Yours truly,
Strychnine