The Material Things | Teen Ink

The Material Things

February 18, 2011
By rosawrites BRONZE, Lexington Ky, Kentucky
rosawrites BRONZE, Lexington Ky, Kentucky
1 article 0 photos 1 comment

Favorite Quote:
"Go Hard, or Go Home!"


Why do our parents always tell us, “It’s not the material things that matter in life, it’s who you are.”? That’s an obvious confidence builder. The truth is the material things are about all that matter in this society. It’s harsh, but true. We like to blame certain people for this kind of judgment, like jocks and preps. But that’s just plain unfair to them, because it’s ALL of us. Sadly but surely, we’re all guilty of “judging a book by its cover.”

For example, if I was the nicest person in the whole world, but dressed in rags and was very unkempt, you (no matter who YOU are) probably wouldn’t want a thing to do with me. But if I was dressed head to toe in American Eagle, and had perfectly pinned hair, you’d have no problem accepting me. At my school, you’ve got to have a pair of UGGS, jeans galore, and at least something Aeropastle to qualify. And on top of that, you have to be willing to openly speak your mind, and pretty much be loud and obnoxious. So of course I qualify. And I see so many people that just don’t qualify and I wonder why. Like the smart girls, who will always let you copy their homework. Or those guys who always have something stupid to say.

Sometimes at lunch I look around and observe. I hear my friends who have something mean to say for every occasion, and then I look and see those nerdy girls who wouldn’t even call a fly annoying. Again I wonder why I’m not sitting with them? Why is it that we just don’t click? Then it hits me. It’s the material things. They classify us; specify us as if we’re animals in the Amazon forest. It’s like we’re being brainwashed to only hang out with people who are just like us. I shiver every time I think about. Are my friends only my friends because I qualify? I guess I’ll never know. At least not until someone breaks the curse.


The author's comments:
From this article I hope people think more about who they truly are. I've been thinking alot about who I truly am and who my friends are. Hopefully you realize that we treat people a certain way because of a first impression (how you look) and it's just not fair. We need to give people a chance.

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This article has 4 comments.


on Jun. 6 2011 at 7:25 pm
WritingSpasms, Los Angeles, California
0 articles 0 photos 121 comments

Favorite Quote:
&quot;Devils run when a good man goes to war.&quot;<br /> - River Song from Doctor Who (Ep. A Good Man Goes to War)

I agree with you 110%. Your article was written very well, and to the point --- which I like.

on Jun. 2 2011 at 4:26 pm
CarrieAnn13 GOLD, Goodsoil, Other
12 articles 10 photos 1646 comments

Favorite Quote:
&quot;I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.&quot; --Douglas Adams<br /> <br /> &quot;The object of life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane.&quot; --Marcus Aurelius

That was a good article; it's very true.  Material things seem so important in today's society.  Good job!

on Jun. 2 2011 at 1:35 pm
areebaization BRONZE, Dammam, Other
3 articles 0 photos 27 comments

Favorite Quote:
&ldquo;Do not wait to strike till the iron is hot; but make it hot by striking.&rdquo; &ndash; William B. Sprague

Finally words I can totally agree with!

on Mar. 5 2011 at 11:30 am
ChelzRulz SILVER, Sparta, New Jersey
7 articles 0 photos 14 comments

Favorite Quote:
&quot;You can turn off the sun, but I&#039;m still gonna shine.&quot; - Jason Mraz<br /> &quot;Life is a rollercoaster, live it, be happy, enjoy life.&quot; -Avril Lavigne<br /> &quot;The answer is wrong, but I luv you!&quot; - Mrs. Spelman<br /> &quot;Carpe Diem- seize the day!!&quot; -Mrs. Spelman

Very good point.  I feel that way too- this country is becoming too materialistic.  What happened?  I loved how you ended it, but maybe you could go into more detail?  Expand.  Very good!  Could you check out my interview- MS. BRENNAN'S TRAIL OF CHILDREN?  Thank you- I love comments!