In high school, middle school, and possibly college, there is always the cliques.

"Popular"
"Preps"
"Skaters"
"Punks"
"Goths"
"Emo"
"Jocks"
"Skanks"
"Geeks"
"Outcasts"
"Floaters"

We all know some, most, or even more of these groups are implanted in schools today. What do you think about cliques? Some people like them because they feel they separate groups that wouldn't belong together, as well as have groups who have the same interests, while others think it's a negative impact on the school.

I don't like cliques. I think labeling is a stupid idea, and a way to make a person feel stupid. No one wants to be labeled, I don't agree with it. We all know a lot of people judge before they even talk to you. I think if you just give someone a title, you're most likely going to be wrong. It's like saying all blondes are stupid, totally untrue. I think you have to get to know someone before you "categorize" them into a clique or a group.

I think it's negative because people always get their feelings hurt and feel they can't talk outside of their "group"

Mmm, I'd say cliques aren't all that bad. Granted I'd like to see some individuality from time to time, but everything's been pretty much done to the extent where you really can box most people in, even if it takes hundreds of little boxes. We need categorisation in order to understand people; without it we'd become confused, but you're spot on that people totally misuse it. I've never understood the rivalry or angst that sparks between groups - jocks vs. geeks, blondes vs. brunettes, goths vs. - well, everyone. There seems to be some sort of inherent behavioural pattern expected when you identify yourself in a particular clique, or when another does so to you.

And of course there are the nastier cliques that are around. Jock vs. slut has always been an interesting one; sexism with a little bit of egocentricity thrown in that proves just how dumb men really can be. I've often wondered why a jock isn't happy to identify himself as essentially being a male prostitute, or vice versa. I mean, if that's what you do - and you choose to do so - why pretend otherwise? Never could get to grips with people doing things they can't admit to or try to pretend is something "better". *shrugs*

But yeah, I don't think you have to know someone to do a primary "boxing", though without knowing their personality I can't say it's possible to truly know what cliques they fit into. Still, too much emphasis on it all. Be you emo or goth or jock, it doesn't alter you're a human being. If people wish to use such categorisation to misjudge and become pressumptuous so as to avoid engaging with particular people so be it. I just wish people would get over it all. It's easy to group with people you identify with but let's face it, who really wants a life filled with...well...themselves? Differences are equally funky kids. :D)

I don't think cliques are bad at all. People need to "fit in". It's part of our nature as human beings. As robotic as this sounds, pretty much everyone falls into one clique or another. If not, they're usually a floater. And floaters hand around with other floaters, thus putting them in their own clique.