Drug culture: Is it really cool?

The cool kids are not the kids that go to school, get good grades and listen to their parents. Most likely, those kids will be called lame or boring.

Having a future and focusing on school became a drag, when you could go to a musical festival and take a bunch of drugs. It's sad, but it's also true.

Apparently, doings drugs, going to parties and acting ruthless is a thing now. A big thing if you ask me.

It's "cool" to get drunk at parties, make out with strangers, pop pills and break your stiletto's on the way home--if they manage to find home, right?

We see teenagers wearing "dope" shirts, with offensive logos and designs that degrade themselves, and guess what: they are the trend. Don't feel scared if you are visiting California on a weekend, and get to see celebrities walking down Rodeo Drive in Hollywood with clothes that promote drugs, parties, unprotected sex and even more. 

It's frustrating that we live in a world that we care so much about what others think, instead of focusing on who we really are. I don't judge people for wearing clothes that degrade themselves, but I certainly feel that we are glorifying the ones that do bad for our society and culture.

You can see Rihanna wearing a tank top with a Marijuana leaf as she performs in New York City. Well, you can also see Miley Cyrus wearing the same thing.

Nothing against stoners, but promoting something that is still illegal, or for only medical use, is not the best way to go. Fans everywhere might want to copy the style, and also copy the habit of using the drug.

Cheating is not seen as bad as it used to be. I see so many girls gossiping about cheating and how awesome it was because they felt in control of this or that.

I seriously don't understand when cheating can be cool. Hurting a persons feelings and taking advantage of the circumstances is not fun, and far from cool.

In a NIDA-funded research, it shows that teenagers are more likely to take risks if their friends are watching, because the rewards are more important than the fear they might have. It leads teenagers to embrace ruthless activities as well as dangerous ones.

Peer pressure can lead teens to do things they are not willing to do on their own. Who wants to be called a quitter when you can be cool as your friends, right? 

We all want to be part of a group, and feel as we belong there. 

I can say big words about peer pressure, but don't think I'm the best role model. I also have done things only because I thought I would be cool and liked, but I definitely learned from my mistakes.

Next time you hear a hit about popping molly in the bathroom or backstage of a concert, be aware of the consequences of the act itself. Don't lose yourself trying to be cool. 

You are cool the way you are by going to school, getting good grades and listening to your parents-- it's not that bad anyways. Be you. 

A version of this was published at The Vista.