For years, the word "popular", has been demonized(妖魔化)and made the same as mini-skirt-wearing, hair-coloring cheerleader types like Regina George in Mean Girls. Today, teachers and parents inform children that being popular
is irrelevant(不相干的), unnecessary and a sure shortcut to upset, misery, and death. And some people describe popular students as the ones most likely to bum out and end up as nobody, while their less well-liked counterparts enjoy a life of wealth and fame.
However, the Oxford English Dictionary defines(定义)popularity as:" The
State or condition of being liked, admired, or supported by many people' This sounds like a lovely thing, and is not related to such behaviors as "burn books” or "three-way phone calls" in Mean Girls.
In fact, it is a truth widely acknowledged that young people who feel liked or supported are more likely to obtain impressive achievements than those who feel lonely, unvalued, and irrelevant socially.
So why, then, is popularity given such a bad name? Why is this state of well-likedness so demonized?
Basically, the hatred (恨) shown toward what appears to be a very pleasant thing is caused by lack of understanding. When we, as viewers, see characters such as Regina Georges on TV and in films, we recognize them to be popular. These characters, if not exactly liked, greatly admired by their peers(同伴).
Our mistake comes when we try to understand their cruel and unkind actions using the deduction(推论)method.
Humans are imperfect, and even the most intelligent mind is open to dishonesty through a very small slip in logic. Unfortunately, this occurs here with branding results.
We first learn that a character is popular. Since this is important to the plot, it is constantly emphasized, leading it to be the most common thing in our minds when we consider the character.
Later, we see that character do something unkind. The character's most noticeable characteristic (in our minds) is his/her popularity. And now the character is mean and unkind. This character is popular.
Therefore, we jump to a quick conclusion (结论) that popular people are mean and unkind.
Things such as improper behaviors and rumor-spreading are terrible and should always be seen in a very serious light. However, it is important to recognize that these are not the behaviors of popular people, but bullies.
So, in summary, do not be afraid to be popular and have many friends. If you are kind to everyone and treat others with respect, there will be few who can criticize you, for being widely liked is not a curse but a blessing. Just remember that being popular does give you a degree of power, and with great power comes a large electricity bill!
