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Examples Of Social Norms In Perks Of Being A Wallflower

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Social norms are the rules of behavior that are deemed acceptable in a group or society. Sometimes people who do not follow these norms can be shunned or suffer from teasing from peers, especially in high school. Norms typically change according to the environment or situation and modify over time. The norms that are in high school are divergent than the norms that one may follow in adulthood. Yet, no matter what age, norms are more than likely expected to be followed. How teenagers uphold the expected norms is that we see our friends take part in these activities, such as drugs, sex, and alcohol, therefore teenagers feel inclined to do it as well. Whether it is to fit in or because of peer pressure, sex, the use of drugs and alcohol has increased causing it to be a social norm. It is common to go to a high school party and see alcohol and the use of drugs being passed around. In the book “Perks of Being a Wallflower” written by Stephen Chbosky, Charlie …show more content…

Things start to get heavier and clothes start to be taken off. As Sam starts to run her hand down Charlie’s pants, Charlie suddenly stops Sam and immediately apologizes for not being ready. This was difficult for Charlie due to the fact that he is in love with Sam and he has never been with a girl before. The circumstances was that Charlie was not ready to go that far with Sam and since he really loves her, he would not want to mess up. Since he felt uncomfortable, stopped Sam and for the rest of the night was not himself. He seemed like he was embarrassed about not being able to go that far and disappointed that he stopped it. After Sam asked Charlie if he was alright, he replied with, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to-”(Chbosky 202). This shows readers how Charlie feels ashamed and embarrassed for not being able to go further due to his lack of

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