In this essay, I will argue that the movie presents the real-life issues of 'beauty' and bullying (albeit in a satirical way) to an audience who can relate - and how those issues can be overcome as a part of growing up. In /Mean Girls/, the high school is practically segregated into cliques - the nerds, the sluts, the jocks and, most prominently, the plastics. The plastics are the three most 'beautiful' girls in school, complete with lower-than-average IQs and a taste for gossip. And they're mean. Hence the name /Mean Girls/. The protagonist of the story invades the plastics in order to destroy their popularity while goaded by her friends. After some crazy hijinks, the plastics aren't what they used to be and everyone learns a lesson.
I will begin this essay with a quote by the character Janis about all of the different cliques within the high school. I'll go on to explain the stereotyping issue that affects everyone today (although not to cinematic proportions) and I will summarize the plot of /Mean Girls/ in the following paragraph. My thesis statement will be something along the lines of: "The film /Mean Girls/ exposes the biggest problem facing teen and young adults today - the judgement and mocking of others - and demonstrates the possible results of bullying and how to resolve it - all in a comedic, accessible way." I will follow the summarization with my argument on the portrayal of cliques and bullying and how it relates to modern culture today.
- Does /Mean Girls/ teach you any moral or lesson even though it is a comedic and exaggerated film?
- Do you relate to any of the characters in /Mean Girls/? Why or why not.
Thanks for the help,
Cheers,
Michelle
I barely remember watching mean girls, but I think you chose a topic that is very relevant in today's culture.
ReplyDeleteI have not seen this movie before, but I think it is an accurate depiction of our culture today.
ReplyDeleteI think that there is a lesson in the movie, kinda like be yourself, because if Cady would have not gotten caught up in all things plastic she would have not started failing math to impress a boy, lost friends while trying to impress her new "friends" and things like that. I don't think I relate to any of the characters in the movie, I mean I never lived in Africa, I've never been plastic, and I'm not too gay to function (haha). However I love Janis' character because she is not afraid to be who she is even though Regina has always been a total b**** to her. I also love Damien. Hope my comment helped :)
ReplyDeleteFrom what I remember about this movie, how Cady tried to integrate herself into public school is hugely realistic. I mean, I never moved to the U.S. from Africa but I and most others have had to try and fit into some place new, whether that be a new school or a new state. Also, I do think that lessons can be learned from this movie, no matter the fact that they're fictionally based.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen this, but I think it may provide an actual moral/life lesson about not letting yourself get pushed around, but also not letting yourself push others around. I don't know if I relate to anyone in the film, because I haven't seen it.
ReplyDeleteIt sort of teaches us that we shouldn't always believe what we are told and that we can be ourselves. I do not really relate to the girls because I have never been bullied or pressured to do things with my group of friends.
ReplyDeleteIt teaches us things about being different and how so many people try to fit in, but in reality we dont need to fit in at all. I do not really relate to any of them because i have nevered bullied people or change myself for someone other then me. Other people may have an opinion about me being rude but i think of myself as nice.
ReplyDeleteI think it does teach us a lesson. Something along the lines of "be yourself." As cheesey as that is, I think it did teach me that I should choose my friends based on their personalties, not their looks or status. If I had to relate to a character, I think it would be Janis. She is somewhat independent and she doesnt seem to care what other people think. She is herself and so am I... I love the movie and Tina Fey so I look forward to seeing your progress!
ReplyDelete"Did you know that Tren Pac made out with coach Carr!?"
ReplyDeleteI always remember this quote from the movie. Im not sure why, but this is a great movie for this paper. I cannot wait to read your paper!:)
I think mean girls is a perfect depiction of how girls act and think.
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