Rogerian Argument for Peer Pressure

1. Introduction: General Introduction: Peer Pressure is something that everyone faces at some point in their lifetime, whether its negative or positive. Children face it from the time they are in elementary school, interacting with kids their age and wanting to be a part of the group that fits in. Basic Context: Peer pressure has been occurring forever, its basically a essential part of primary education. Going to school is a kids first real introduction to peer socialization, and in order to adjust, kids follow one another. Perspectives: o Opposition perspective: People think that peer pressure is always a negative thing, and that its something that is never beneficial. o My Perspective: Peer pressure has positive aspects, such as a friend pressuring a peer to do something good, such as join a club theyd be interested in. Peer pressure also gives a good lesson in standing up for yourself, as kids are strong in saying no to something they dont want to do. Thesis Statement: Peer pressure is everywhere in todays world, from elementary school to the adult world, and is a very influential part of our lives. 2. Opposition Perspective:

Restate Opposing Perspective: Peer pressure is always negative and not a benefit to society.

Details: People tend to think that peer pressure has to do with things such as drug use, alcohol, and other scenarios that have to do with partying and the like.

Accepted Context: Negative peer pressure does happen in all cases, and teenagers will get pressured into drugs and alcohol especially in their middle and high school years. Most types of peer pressure are negative, and the negative ones are most commonly heard of.

3. Writers Perspective: Restate Writers Perspective and Position: Peer pressure can often be positive, and a good lesson. Its something that is completely natural and is needed. Re-emphasize Claim: Although most aspects of peer pressure are commonly known as negative, the concept of peer pressure deals with growing up and standing up for yourself. Details: When a child is pressured into doing something they dont want to do from a peer, and rejects their offer, it is a major success for that child. They are learning how to stand up and fend for themselves, a characteristic that is needed in this world. Also, kids can be pressured into do something such as joining a club or activity that is something they are interested in. In this case, peer pressure is beneficial and a positive thing.

Accepted Context: Peer pressure is accepted when it is positive and benefits the person being pressured.

Refutation of Opposition: There are many examples of peer pressure that have positive effects and are helpful to society.

4. Common Ground: Proposed Solution/Resolution as Common Ground: Children need to know the difference between positive and negative peer pressure, and how to say no. They need to know that it is alright to reject someone pressuring them if they do not feel comfortable with the offer, and it isnt something they want to do. Context: More information about the subject of peer pressure should be spread, so people know both aspects of positive and negative peer pressure. Implementation: It should be taught more in schools starting from Kindergarten, since this is normally where children start interaction with their peers on a regular basis, and should kept being taught throughout schooling. Resources: More research needs to be done throughout the education system, and teachers to implement it in the school system. 5. Alternatives: I cant really think of any other options to solve the issue, only through spreading information. 6. Concluding Statements:

Predictions: I dont know if negative forms of peer pressure can exactly be fixed completely, plus even negative peer pressure is beneficial in the form of teaching a lesson. I dont think it will ever go away completely, but can be reduced.

7. Works Cited: "Dealing With Peer Pressure." Dealing With Peer Pressure. Ed. D'Arcy Lyness. Nemours, Oct. 2012. Web. Apr. 2013. <http://kidshealth.org/kid/feeling/friend/peer_pressure.html>. Hansen, Regan. "College and Peer Pressure." Yahoo! Voices. Yahoo! Contributor Network, 10 Nov. 2011. Web. Apr. 2013. <http://voices.yahoo.com/college- peer-pressure-10388585.html>. "Peer Pressure." ThinkQuest. Oracle Education Foundation, n.d. Web. Apr. 2013. <http://library.thinkquest.org/3354/Resource_Center/ Virtual_Library/Peer_Pressure/peer.htm>.