Genre 2: A surrealist painting (photograph)
The image below is a photograph of an original 18 x 24" oil on canvas painting that represents the complexity of adolescent development and peer influence. The title of the painting is "In Different Soil". The artist hopes to convey the idea of peer circles as intertwined with an adolescent's development and livelihood, the "nurture" aspect of development. The soil in the center of the canvas represents the peer influence; the soil may be dark, rich, and encourage abundant root growth for a stable and lush tree or it may be lighter, drier, and create a pattern of sparse roots that yield unhealthy vegetation. Additionally, the environment around the tree is affected by the tree's vigor. The healthy tree is surrounded by grass and a glowing moon while the lifeless tree is surrounded by barren landscape. This imagery represents how adolescent development will eventually all facets of life including family dynamics, occupation, and personal interests. In other words, an adolescent may develop into a very different adult if planted in different soil.
Genre 5: An Original Poem, "Everyone"
"Who is going?"
"Everyone", she said.
7 billion people, she said.
From over 190 countries,
Representing thousands of cultures and religions, she said.
My parents,
An old neighbor from Minnesota,
The sign spinner on 14th street with the bright yellow Walkman,
The entire preschool class at Saint Andrews,
Celebrities, CEOs, security guards, gamers, and golfers, she said.
People I've never imagined,
People I'm happy to have forgotten.
"Oh", I said.
"I think I'm just going to stay in and watch a movie tonight."
"But nobody is doing that", she said.
"Not nobody", I said.
"Me."
Genre 6: A Continuum of Peer Pressure in American Society
The continuum below places six distinct forms of peer influence on a scale of "most socially criticized" to "most socially accepted" by American society. Note that there are fewer forms of peer pressure on the left end of the spectrum, but they are more concentrated. Consider: Are your personal peer pressure beliefs reflected in this continuum? If not, what would you move and where?
Genre 10: 15 Aphorisms to Help Resist Peer Pressure
The following is a mock Buzzfeed article that explores various aphorisms and quotes that inspire individuality and peer pressure resistance.
