The other movie we watched was “Mean Girls”. Like “Rebel Without a Cause”, the movie includes a character who is new and trying to fit in. “Mean Girls” goes through the different cliques of a high school. Although these cliques are not 100% accurate and there is some exaggeration, The movie does do a decent job of portraying high school. However, the main characters, who are the “popular” girls would most likely not be popular in a real high school. Their behavior is unacceptable and would be frowned upon in real life. 

Another example of a movie is “Project X”. the movie features a group of three guys who want to become popular. They throw an incredible party, and become the most popular kids in school. Like “Mean Girls” the movie points out common high school problems such as fitting in, but  adds a degree of exaggeration. To make a long story short, the three kids end up burning down the house, and the dad’s Mercedes had to be pulled out of the swimming pool.   

I mentioned to my dad that I had watched this movie with some friends, and the first thing that came out of his mouth was, “classic movie!”. I asked him what his definition of a classic was, because what I had watched clearly was not. Anyway, I asked him if his high school experiences resembled those in the movie, and he responded with a no. He said the movie was very over exaggerated, and he never fought anyone with a   knife or jumped out of moving vehicles. My dad’s responses to my questions further supported my opinion that “Rebel Without a Cause” does a terrible job of portraying teenage life. 

I did not really enjoy the movie “Rebel Without a Cause”. I do not have a particular reason why I didn’t like it other than it really didn’t appeal to me. I do not think the movie offers an accurate portrayal of a high-school environment. From my own experiences throughout school, I can tell you the new kid is normally not bullied like Stark. It is usually the opposite where everyone tries to get to know the person and become friends with them.  Also, I have not heard of any one getting in a fight with switchblades.  Due to switchblades being illegal, the chances of such an event occurring are even less. Lastly, the whole concept of the chickie run is stupid. I have never seen such a a ridiculous game played, and I do not think even the craziest kids in today’s society would play. “Rebel Without a Cause” does a very poor job of portraying high school life. 

My moral belief is don’t ever let anyone tell you you can’t do something. I have learned that people have the tendency to doubt  more than they do support. It is easier to tell someone they can’t do something than it is to say they can. In 7th grade I tried out for one of the best hockey teams in the state of michigan, the Rochester Rattlers. I made it past the first two cuts, and went to the third and final tryout where there was only 20 of the original 60 players that tried out. There were only a few spots available, and I knew there was a good chance I wouldn’t make it. I received a call from the coach later that day only to find out that I had the required talent to make his team, but I “lacked the physical presence” necessary to actually be offered a spot. It basically meant that I was too small to make his team. I am completely aware that I am not the biggest kid around, and it is the biggest downside to my game. I was pretty upset about not making it, but I took away very important lessons from this experience. I didn’t stop playing hockey just because I didn’t make that team. Although I wasn’t offered a spot on the rattlers, I ended up trying out for another high level team and made it. Getting cut from the rattlers taught me you shouldn’t stop trying to achieve your goals even if someone tells you can’t.