High school is an awkward time for most teenagers, but this is especially true for girls. For some girls, high school can be a popularity contest where they aspire to become the most desirable and getting the attention of all the cute boys. Often, girls go too far in their pursuit of popularity. Some flaunt their thongs and bras. Others wear tiny clothes that are half their size (super mini-skirts and belly shirts)! Is aiming to please others more important than staying true to yourself?

The 411 on thongs

In America, thongs were originally worn by exotic dancers but Americans didn’t actually created the thong. Brazilians were sporting thongs long before Americans appropriated the trend for themselves. Brazilian women wore thongs as bathing suits, which appealed to men. Because they were unavailable in the States, Americans would travel to Brazil to purchase thongs. Though Americans borrowed from contemporary Brazilian concepts about swimwear, these ideas actually originated from more ancient times. Shockingly, men are seen wearing thongs in ancient art. The first public appearance of thongs in America was in 1939 at the World's Fair when New York Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia asked that the city's nude dancers to cover themselves. Rudi Gernreich, a fashion designer, introduced the first American thong bikini in 1974. Last year, The Wall Street Journal reported “thongs are the fastest growing segment of the $2 billion-a-year women's panty business.” First called tangas, most people find thongs quite comfortable. It lends a smooth and rounded finish to a wearer's behind. From small to big, there are many sizes that fit all shapes. There are also different designs and varieties of material. Whether it's worn as underwear or part of a bikini, thongs are "in" right now! (Source BET.com)

Following the crowd

Most teenagers and adults worry too much about what others think of them. Some are overly-fixated on how they are perceived by others. Peer pressure and the entertainment business are among some of the blameworthy parties. Why do people want to change themselves to get other people’s attention?

The answer is to be liked by people even though it might not be the real you that’s being presented. You don’t build confidence by dressing a certain way; your confidence develops from your personality and your ability to like and accept yourself. When you like yourself, people notice and feel comfortable around you; they’ll like you for who you are, not for that new top you’re wearing.

Fashion is a big problem since it changes constantly. Next thing you know, you’ll be running at the mall to keep up with the latest trends. Keep it up and you will blow your savings. Recognize yourself? Don’t forget that style has little to do with the clothes on your back, but more to do with personality, personal contentment, and self-confidence.

Celebrities and entertainers exert a powerful influence on popular culture and trends in general. It takes a very strong will to recognize that the entertainment business is not necessarily the gold standard when it comes to what is “in.” Comparing yourself to the bodies you see on television or in the movies can lead to dissatisfaction with your own appearance and, worse, anorexia or bulimia. It is important to remember that Hollywood often uses actors in their 20s to play teenagers. Comparing yourself to celebrities can lead you to feel frustrated with your height or lack of cleavage.”) For example, the so-called teenagers in the hit TV show “The O.C.” play 17 year olds (but the actors are all around the age of 23). If real teenagers were seen on television, people might have fewer issues with self-confidence. We can’t stop admiring celebrities and wanting to be like them. Many girls are trying to become the next Britney Spears or Christina Aguilera. They are driving their parents mad because they’re dressing like these sexy stars. The bottom line is that you can’t trust the images you see on television or in the movies.

You can dress anyway you want as long as you feel comfortable and you do it for yourself, not for the others. Also remember that your clothes are only an extension of your personality.