<p>Although the movie was funny, I think it brought up an interesting point that is worthy of discussion…the issue of being “popular” and how those who are treat others. </p>
<p>In all phases of life, from elementary school through adulthood, certain woman (usually female though can also apply to males on occasion) look down and act as though others are beneath them. They ignore, put down, or make fun of those who are less attractive, heavier, less well to do than they are.</p>
<p>I wish those snobby “holier than thao” types could be put in their place. I also wish that I could get an answer once and for all as to why they behave so terribly - is it that they are actually insecure… or just uncaring and cruel and truly don’t care one iota as to how they make others feel?</p>
<p>And how is it decided that they are “popular” at all? Why are they even considered popular when truly they should be looked at as pathetic and mean?</p>
Definitely applied just as much to males from elementary through high school in the town we live in. I don’t know if it is an American thing, or a small town thing. I never experienced the degree of cliquishness and meanness that my kids experienced during school.</p>
<p>My favorite line: “I’ve seen better tennis played in a tampon commercial.”</p>
<p>Regarding the meanness, I’ve actually found that it’s not always the popular kids who are mean. Non-popular kids can be mean, too. And not all popular kids are mean.</p>
<p>I think they’re popular in their own minds. And because they exhibit a particular form of extroversion (i.e., don’t mind calling attention to themselves) and have strong personalities (the euphemism we used as Girl Scout leaders when we meant someone was a real beyotch), some onlookers consider them popular, too. But - if you don’t like them, does it matter whether they’re considered popular or not? </p>
<p>Hierarchy is important in social animals, which is what humans are. I think a lot of less-than-admirable human behavior has its roots in a survival instinct. Lola doesn’t need to gossip about Daphne’s bad dye job in order to survive, but I think that’s where the impulse comes from, in part. A million years ago, Lola wanted Daphne cut from the group in order to have a better shot at the food supply (and reproducing).</p>
<p>One of the advantages of being unpopular - or at any rate, being excluded by the “popular” group - is that it can make you a better, more sensitive person.</p>
<p>I would love to start a trend in the U.S which helped our young people to realize that being excluded or deciding to stay away from the “popular” group makes one a better, more sensitive, person…the challenge is to help people feel really proud and good about themselves when the media and most of our society seem to look up to and desire “popular” behavior.</p>
<p>I believe our country, and the world, is much less better off because of these “popular” values and behaviors that we strive for.</p>