In a world where young voices are often overlooked because they are being judged as young and inexperienced, Indiana is thrilled to provide a platform and create a safe space for two young women to share their insights and advice on peer pressure. Today, she sits down with Alizé Reed, a 19-year-old from England, and Ana Rosas, a 17-year-old from Colombia, to engage in a powerful conversation on the intense subject of peer pressure. Indiana recognizes that wisdom is not confined to age; young people like Alizé and Ana possess insights and experiences that are just as meaningful and profound as those of older generations. This conversation highlights the importance of giving young people a platform to express themselves, recognizing that they, too, can lead discussions that resonate deeply and offer fresh perspectives on the challenges they face.
Indiana: Ladies, welcome to the Reed Manga Community! I am thrilled to have this conversation with you both today. I’d like to have your thoughts and insights about peer pressure which is something that we’ve all faced in different ways, and I think it is important to hear how young people like you are navigating these challenges. Alizé, you mentioned that peer pressure often stems from the influence of others and is intensified by social media. Can you share more about how that’s affected you?”
Alizé: For me, peer pressure refers to the influence exerted by one social circle or the broader society to conform to certain norms or behaviors. I grew up and went to school in Seoul, South Korea. Peer pressure can be especially intense for a European girl living in South Korea, where cultural and beauty standards differ significantly from what I was accustomed to. I felt this most strongly when it came to self-image. Growing up in South Korea, I felt a constant pressure to meet local beauty standards – being slim, having flawless skin and perfectly straight, silky styled hair. As someone with natural curly blonde hair that looked quite wild and untamed, I often felt insecure and out of place.
Indiana: Thank you for sharing that, Alizé. It’s powerful to hear how living in a different culture amplified the pressures you felt around self-image. The contrast between your natural beauty and the local standards must have been challenging, especially in a society where conformity is often valued. It is a reminder of how deeply cultural expectations can shape our sense of belonging and self-worth. Your experience sheds light on the complexities of navigating identity in a world that sometimes struggles to embrace diversity. Ana, how about you?
Ana: I am originally from Colombia, but I traveled a lot with my family because of my dad’s job. When I was younger, I experienced this firsthand after moving from Colombia to the U.S. I felt a deep insecurity about my culture and who I was. Over time, I lost parts of myself that were connected to my home country, trying to fit into a culture that had different values and standards. As a new kid constantly moving from state to state, I had to learn how to navigate new environments quickly. While this helped me build confidence in approaching new people, it also made me more agreeable, often at the cost of my own values. I did things that didn’t align with who I truly was, just because my friends made me feel like that was what I was supposed to do. For me, dealing with peer pressure wasn’t easy, but moving to Dubai really helped. The UAE is full of expats, so I met people who shared similar beliefs and who encouraged me to embrace my culture. I started building a strong foundation of values that I’ve stuck with ever since. The key to overcoming peer pressure is finding confidence in yourself. When you trust your own judgment over others, it becomes easier to resist doing things that don’t align with your values.
Alizé: I agree, Ana. Peer pressure will always exist, but I’ve learned to let myself be influenced by more positive people—those who see me in a better light than I sometimes see myself. I’m also working on filtering out unhelpful opinions and building the confidence to stand my ground. Most of the peer pressure I felt happened within the confines of school, where there was this unspoken competition among girls to be seen as the most popular. The pressure to fit in and meet certain standards was overwhelming, and some days it really took a toll on me. Ironically, outside of school, I still stood out—drawing quite a bit of attention, though quite positive and complimentary. Yet, it only heightened my sense of being different and out of place. In South Korea, my curly blonde hair made me stand out in a way that fascinated people—they would stop me on the street just to touch it. At first, I didn’t know how to handle the attention of strangers, but over time, I learned to embrace it and accept that my uniqueness intrigued them. It also helped me realize that the way I saw myself didn’t always match how others saw me.
Ana: I can relate to that struggle. I believe that peer pressure often comes from the need to be accepted by others. As teenagers and young adults, we really seek approval, whether it’s from people or organizations we admire—even if they’re not positive influences. When I was younger and had just moved from Colombia to the U.S., I felt a lot of insecurity about my culture. I lost parts of myself trying to fit in because I was constantly moving and always the new kid. I became more agreeable, doing things that didn’t align with my values just to be liked. However, over time, I began to develop a healthier self-image by focusing on the features I genuinely liked about myself, rather than trying to conform to every societal expectation.
Indiana: Both of you have shown incredible strength and maturity in how you’ve handled peer pressure. It’s clear that critical thinking and self-awareness play a huge role in this. By questioning the influences around you and being selective about who you let in, you’ve both managed to carve out your own paths. This is such a valuable insight for others facing similar struggles. Thank you for sharing your experiences so openly.
Ana: I believe that giving in to peer pressure often stems from the need to be accepted by others, especially during our teenage and young adult years. This is a time when we’re figuring out who we are, and seeking approval from those around us can feel like the easiest way to gain acceptance and a sense of belonging. Humans are naturally social beings who crave connection and support, which is why we can be so easily influenced. The fear of being alone can sometimes push us to stay in negative company rather than face the uncertainty of standing on our own. During these crucial developmental years, we become more susceptible to peer pressure, influenced not just by the people we physically interact with but also by the media. The constant exposure to various societal norms and standards from a young age affects how we see ourselves and what we feel we should strive for.
Alizé: I can completely relate to that, Ana. It’s like we compromise parts of ourselves just to fit in and align with the expectations set by others, even if they don’t align with our true selves. But I think it’s important that we recognize this and work towards surrounding ourselves with people who uplift us rather than those who pressure us to conform. It’s all part of finding that balance and building confidence in who we are, regardless of external influences.
Indiana: You both have touched on something really important here—the idea of staying true to oneself despite external pressures. It’s clear that peer pressure can take many forms, whether it’s about fitting into cultural standards or simply wanting to be liked. What advice would you give to others who might be struggling with similar challenges?
Ana: I’d say the first step is to understand who you are and what you stand for. When you have a strong sense of self, it becomes easier to recognize when something doesn’t align with your values. It’s also crucial to surround yourself with supportive people who respect you for who you are. And finally, it’s okay to say no. It might feel uncomfortable at first, but standing your ground is a powerful way to maintain your integrity and self-respect.
Alizé: I agree, Ana. Additionally, I’d recommend taking time to reflect on your experiences and how they’ve shaped you. Understanding the sources of pressure in your life and why they affect you can help you develop strategies to resist them. And like you said, finding confidence in your own judgment is key. It might take time, but once you start trusting yourself more, the opinions of others will have less power over you.
Indiana: Thank you both, Alizé and Ana, for such an insightful and heartfelt discussion. It’s clear that peer pressure is a universal challenge, but how we respond to it is deeply personal and shaped by our experiences. You’ve both highlighted the importance of self-awareness, confidence, and surrounding ourselves with positive influences. Your stories show that while peer pressure can push us to compromise who we are, it can also be an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. I hope that others who hear this conversation will feel empowered to stay true to themselves and resist the urge to conform to external pressures. Remember, it’s okay to stand out and embrace who you truly are. Thank you for sharing your journeys with us today.
PS: Share your knowledge, insights, and wisdom through interactive storytelling. Have a meaningful conversation with Indiana the host of the Reed Manga Series. DM to become the next Honored Guest.
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The post The Reed Manga Series – Special Episode – Honored Guests – Alizé Reed & Ana Rosas – Peer Pressure appeared first on Author Joanne Reed.