Ninteen Minutes entry 4

Between each of the major chapters, there are small passages with important meanings and ideas that lead into the upcoming chapter. One of the ideas that has stayed with me is the idea of self-perception. The passage reads "To be truly popular, it has to look like it's something you are, when it reality, it's what you make yourself" (240). This novel illuminates how so many teens are expected to behave in a certain way. In order to gain social approval, teens feel the need to change everything about themselves in order to conform, to develop strong social bonds. Josie, without a doubt, has certain expectations that she has to maintain. She feels the need to conform in order to be popular so will do anything to change herself and act in a way to be labeled "popular." Being popular and maintaining a high social status becomes especially important to her in high school. This drives her to completely lose sight of everything important in her life. Before high school and having Matt as a boyfriend, she has no problem spending time with Peter. She comforts him and while she may not fully admit it, she enjoys being together. While she is aware that others think he is weird and corky, this does not prevent her from doing what she feels is right. She may not be considered popular at the time, but she is comfortable in her own skin. However, it is in high school when she notices that everyone around her is judging her. Therefore, while she is perfectly content before, she turns to rewire her brain to be have in a specific way. Josie feels a great deal of pressure- she has never seen the importance of being popular. However, now she has to convince herself and the people around her that she is comfortable with herself, walking her own path. Although she is not happy, she has to convince others that she is loving her life. This is no easy role to fill and this affects her emotionally.