Changing The Stereotypical Meaning Of 'Cool'
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Changing The Stereotypical Meaning Of 'Cool'

The media and high school has too many wrong perceptions of what it means to be cool.

251
Changing The Stereotypical Meaning Of 'Cool'
Nikki Ganiaris

I find the stereotypical stance of what ‘being cool’ is considered to be, in addition to the way it is portrayed in movies, very interesting.

Going through high school and being completely vulnerable of easily conforming to the idea that the ones who went to parties, hooked up with all the guys, wore the nicest clothes, and had all the confidence you so eagerly wish you had, were the ‘cool’ ones.

At least for me, not knowing who I was or who I even wanted to be my freshman year of high school; I craved for leisure friends and being a part of a group of friends that went out together, sometimes not even caring who I with as long as I felt like I was involved. I often found myself being closest to people who did not have the same intentions at heart, consideration for me, or put in the same effort as I did for them.

It took me a good amount of build-up in self-identity and standards for what it meant to be a friend for me to actually see that these individuals were not admirable people nor were they even my speed.

Eventually I was able to recognize the type of qualities I connect with in people but still to this day I am trying to identify what it is that throws me off about a person and what has me want to get to know them better. Even in regards to that, what I do now know is this; the definition of ‘cool’ that society tried to create, in my opinion, could not be more wrong.

The type of people who I find to be ‘cool’ are the ones with unique perspectives on life, they do not feel the need to follow the crowd by closeting their own opinions in order to please others. These people have pure hearts who genuinely want the best for everyone else. People who give those different than them or anyone considered ‘weird’ to others, the time of day.

These people find the joy in just spending time with the people they care about and have no shame being who they are. They talk about their family in such a bright light and don’t care about the drama.

Pettiness is not something they tolerate and if someone gives them a problem they will either confront it to resolve it or that person just becomes irrelevant to them.

Maturity is cool, pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone is cool, wanting the best for yourself and making every effort to work for your aspirations even if they are so far out of your reach is cool.

Not once have I looked at someone wearing a nice clothing, or Saturday night to the point where they are obliterated but showing off how they are still somehow conscience, and thought to myself “wow, that person is so cool”. Materialism is not cool and better yet, MATERIALS do not make someone cool.

It is the type of person you are that draws people to you. And to me, any person who epitomizes any of the examples I gave, are someone I model to help me become a better version of myself which I think is the coolest thing you can ever do in this life.

The people I’ve been surrounding myself with recently have been fulfilling the ideologies of what I consider to be ‘cool people’. From the way they so openly talk about their fascinations to their funky quirks, to how much passion they put into everything they want, to the feel good atmosphere they want to promote with 0 exceptions for any negativity, to the realness of their persona that makes them people I know I can feel comfortable with and know I can trust the opinions of, are what makes them help me understand what I feel being an exceptional individual is all about.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

51695
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

33201
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

956142
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

181053
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments