Though students at Placer High School might not think about it, they label each other with stereotypes judging by appearance.

We see labels everyday; they can have a negative or positive impact on individuals, but a majority of the time it is negative. When people are given a stereotype or label they feel like they need to become what they are called. Students at Placer have different opinions on labeling others by looks.

”Well I think it’s wrong that we all live under labels. I think we should all just be equal,” said sophomore, Erin Schwerdfager.

Sometimes people catagorize eachother by where they shop, what they buy, and who they hang out with. Such as if you are a “prep” or a “jock” you shop at American Eagle and Abercrombie. Students are judged by their religion and ethnicity as well.

“I think stereotyping is stupid. People should be able to dress how they want  without being labled.” Said junior, Brittney Mackenzie.

Studies show that when students stereotype each other the person who is labeling has bad self-esteem and wants to make others feel bad so they can feel better about themselves. Some students believe that labeling can be a problem. Sometimes people do not realize the effect of labeling on other people. The results in this can be worse than what we think they would be.

“People label me so I label them too. And they get mad when you label them back. They don’t realize what they can do. I’ve had friends commit suicide because of it,” says sophomore, Marisa Osborn.

At the same time, to some the matter of labeling does not bother them at all, and they don’t notice that it is going on, so it does not affect them. They ignore the fact that people dress differently than they do, as well as their beliefs and where they are from.

“I don’t care about them. I don’t pay attention to them. They are just pointless.” said senior, Sidney Monzon. “There is no need for them; they’re there when they don’t need to be there. Half of them are ignorant and they don’t know what to think of anyone different from themselves.”

Others are stuck in the middle and believe that it is okay but it is not at the same time.

“It is okay because they bring it onto themselves, but its no one’s business so it makes it a problem” said sophomore, Brittany Billingsly

If people focus on the positive ideals of others then it would be easier to go out of their way to make someone’s day and help them if they need help and someone to talk so.