Genre 11: Text Message Conversation
The following is a possible Epilogue text conversation between main characters Wendell and Marcelo in Francisco Stork's Y.A. novel Marcelo in the Real World.
Genre 3: Apology Letters
Below is an apology letter from a 28 year-old female addressed to her sister and her sister's reply. The apology letter explains the negative peer pressure Jeanna placed on her sister growing up to conform, to suppress her individuality. The sister, Julie, accepts Jeanna's apology in her reply and presses her sister for increased communication.
Both women were interviewed directly after they mailed their letters to reflect on the process. Both women agreed that writing allowed them to sort through their emotions and ultimately let go of the guilt or anger they felt. Additionally, both women acknowledged that the letters would not "change things overnight", and that peer pressure would most likely continue to a lesser degree. However, Julie felt that Jeanna's awareness of her behavior was a great step forward in improving the peer relationship. I recommend having students write apology letters of their own as a formative assessment option for a unit on peer influence. The real-world application of the text will allow them to connect with the essential question in an unparalleled way.
Both women were interviewed directly after they mailed their letters to reflect on the process. Both women agreed that writing allowed them to sort through their emotions and ultimately let go of the guilt or anger they felt. Additionally, both women acknowledged that the letters would not "change things overnight", and that peer pressure would most likely continue to a lesser degree. However, Julie felt that Jeanna's awareness of her behavior was a great step forward in improving the peer relationship. I recommend having students write apology letters of their own as a formative assessment option for a unit on peer influence. The real-world application of the text will allow them to connect with the essential question in an unparalleled way.
Genre 6: "Is 'Peer Pressure' Domestic or Worldwide?" Interview
The following interview was videotaped and later transcribed. The interviewee did not wish to disclose her name; for the purposes of the transcription, the pseudonym “Cindy” will be used. Cindy is a 22-year-old female born and raised in Guangzhou, China and has been living in the United States for 11 months studying Communications at the university level.
Interviewer: What does the term “peer pressure” mean to you?
Cindy: What does that mean, peer pressure? Pressure from the same age people?
Interviewer: Yes, exactly! Is there a word for that in China?
Cindy: I can explain the concept, but there is not word or words, no translation.
Interviewer: have you ever been peer pressured?
Cindy: Sure, when I was a senior in college, everyone was trying to find a job. People would ask me, “Did you find a job? What is your job? How are your interviews?”. They tried to know other people’s status and maybe it would make themselves feel good.
Interviewer: Do you think peer pressure can be good and bad?
Cindy: Good is that it motivates you to find a job, try your best, and also makes you know you’re not isolated. Bad is that it is pressure that can make you anxious and pessimistic.
Interviewer: have you ever pressured a friend or peer to do something?
Cindy: Uhh…yeah (laughter).
Interviewer: What was it?
Cindy: I asked a friend to keep fit. You know? Lose weight.
Interviewer: What did she say or do in response?
Cindy: She think I’m right actually, and she is trying to keep fit. She’s upset at first, but she admit that it’s the right thing to do.
Interviewer: Have you ever been peer pressured to do drugs or alcohol?
Cindy: No, never. In China, it’s a bad thing for girls to do that.
Interviewer: Do you think people of all ages experience peer pressure?
Cindy: Yeah, every age. But young people have more peer pressure.
Interviewer: Why do you think young people have more peer pressure?
Cindy: Old people already have their lifestyle. Young people try to find a sense of belonging to each other. They are facing much more uncertainties.
Interviewer: Have you noticed any difference in peer pressure while living in the U.S/ versus China?
Cindy: Hmmm… that’s a hard question. In China, people gets used to tell each other what to do. Young people in China are more direct. In America, I feel like I cannot tell you what to do. I can only give you suggestions, not tell you what’s “right”. American people very respect the individual decision making. In China, there are some social norms all people follow.
Interviewer: What does the term “peer pressure” mean to you?
Cindy: What does that mean, peer pressure? Pressure from the same age people?
Interviewer: Yes, exactly! Is there a word for that in China?
Cindy: I can explain the concept, but there is not word or words, no translation.
Interviewer: have you ever been peer pressured?
Cindy: Sure, when I was a senior in college, everyone was trying to find a job. People would ask me, “Did you find a job? What is your job? How are your interviews?”. They tried to know other people’s status and maybe it would make themselves feel good.
Interviewer: Do you think peer pressure can be good and bad?
Cindy: Good is that it motivates you to find a job, try your best, and also makes you know you’re not isolated. Bad is that it is pressure that can make you anxious and pessimistic.
Interviewer: have you ever pressured a friend or peer to do something?
Cindy: Uhh…yeah (laughter).
Interviewer: What was it?
Cindy: I asked a friend to keep fit. You know? Lose weight.
Interviewer: What did she say or do in response?
Cindy: She think I’m right actually, and she is trying to keep fit. She’s upset at first, but she admit that it’s the right thing to do.
Interviewer: Have you ever been peer pressured to do drugs or alcohol?
Cindy: No, never. In China, it’s a bad thing for girls to do that.
Interviewer: Do you think people of all ages experience peer pressure?
Cindy: Yeah, every age. But young people have more peer pressure.
Interviewer: Why do you think young people have more peer pressure?
Cindy: Old people already have their lifestyle. Young people try to find a sense of belonging to each other. They are facing much more uncertainties.
Interviewer: Have you noticed any difference in peer pressure while living in the U.S/ versus China?
Cindy: Hmmm… that’s a hard question. In China, people gets used to tell each other what to do. Young people in China are more direct. In America, I feel like I cannot tell you what to do. I can only give you suggestions, not tell you what’s “right”. American people very respect the individual decision making. In China, there are some social norms all people follow.