Clothing and culture

In the book, the subject of clothing and make up became an issue in the book. The Mexican American girls wore darker make up and baggier clothes than the preps. The preps went more natural and wore more form fitting clothing. For the Mexican-Americans, this was to make them look older and help them achieve (or what they perceived to be) an adult status within their community. This appearance of a darker and older appearance pushed away the the child like aspect, even though in reality, they are still really children. Another way that they want to get rid of their "childish" image is by having a child. They think that this will boost them into an adult stratosphere.

However, I feel that teenagers are always trying to look and act older. When I was a teenager, I remember wanting to be treated somewhat like an adult. Teenagers want freedom and parents are reluctant to give them that freedom because they are still just children. I also feel that our society is shifting into a materialistic society which is transcending down into the younger generations. Teenagers focus so much on their appearance and clothing. It's almost an obsession. We want people to think we're cool, so we wear the coolest clothes, nicest scents, etc. I feel like this is also going deeper into the younger generations.

Also, in Latino cultures, having children when you are a teenager is acceptable. It is not something that is shunned out of their society. The Mexican-American girls feels like it gives them a sense of purpose. These cultural upbringings change the way these girls view adulthood. This also changes the way that they may see sexuality. It is interesting because in a way this rejects alot of social norms. For instance, in many situations, a teen pregnancy would look down upon. I know that in Hawaii, it would be taboo to have a teen pregnancy. I feel that girls would be looked down upon by society. However, in the Mexican-American societies, it is widely accepted.