Common Labels Among Teens

As if there isn't enough pressure in society, there seems to be a new label invented every day for a certain style or music. Teens all over the world are now being branded into different categories, and of course this brings a lot of different opinions on the different labels. It’s just like racial prejudice- some kids don’t like another group of kids because of the way the dress or act, or the music they listen to. The labels are getting out of hand quickly, but this article is an explanation of the different groups and the conflicts between them. (Note: This is based strictly on my observations and other articles I’ve read on the topic, but there are no opinions.)

Preps

First and foremost, we have the “preps.” In most areas, the majority of the student population is considered to be “preppy.” This term, like many of the others, has been around for decades, but it has taken on a new meaning. The preps are kids that dress cleanly and nicely and appear to come from well-off families. Their clothes are usually bright or pastel colors, and most often designer names or clothes from very popular and expensive stores like Abercrombie and Fitch, and Hollister. Often their taste in music follows whatever is mainstream and popular at the time, ranging anywhere from rap, to hip hop, to pop rock.

These are usually the kids you’d think are clean cut, because of the activities they’re involved in. They go to football games, there are a lot of cheerleaders and football players, and they have a lot of school spirit. They’re very involved in school and usually get good grades.

Based on their appearance, the preps are typically judged to be “good” kids, when in reality, they do just as many- if not more- illegal things as the kids that aren’t judged so kindly. On average, not a week passes without a party or other gathering where there are usually drugs or alcohol to be found.

Punks and Goths