Young people living in Fairfield County are commonly misconstrued as those who achieve perfection. But when it comes to the reality of that accusation, is it merely a stereotype that those living in Fairfield County struggle to overcome? It is common for those that live in such a high pressure society to be faced with obstacles like following the social norm, and conforming to what the community expects. Many view Fairfield County simply as a place filled with Vineyard Vines, BMW’s, private schools, and huge houses. However, there are elements to this county that many fail to acknowledge. Many in Fairfield County communities disagree with the harsh stereotypes. Additionally, citizens in surrounding Connecticut towns hate the fact that they are automatically clumped with this county. Fairfield County is what many people assume is the norm of Connecticut, leaving many to believe that Connecticut is where the richest go to enjoy lavish goods, a great landscape, and to escape from the bustle of New York City but to also stay in relative proximity.
NHS AP psychology teacher Tom Pescarmona describes what he makes of the stereotypes present in Fairfield County. “Of course there are stereotypes in Newtown, those being that Newtown is just filled with kids who have a lot of money, who drive nice cars, and wear preppy clothes. They feel entitled and are usually spoiled. However, these are opinions from an outsider perspective,” Pescarmona said.
Additional stereotypes are common in this county; however it is a personal opinion to choose to believe if these are accurate accusations or merely just a perception.
“In one sentence I can sum up how we are viewed. Land of rich white people,” NHS Senior, Sarah Mawdsley said
Social norms are present in almost every society around the country. The pressure to conform to the norm is what leads many to become similar. In Fairfield County the norm may be to own your own car, wear preppy clothes, and value schooling. However, it is important to remember that this does not apply to everyone in the community. Therefore, if one is judging those communities based on what is simply “normal,” doesn’t that make them the ones with the one-sided views? Following the social norm can take a psychological and physical toll on one's well-being.
Watertown High School, junior Gianna Falotico, living in Litchfield County speaks for how people view those in Fairfield County. “I do believe that people living in surrounding counties like mine have harsh opinions on those in Fairfield County. Everyone thinks they are all stuck up snobs who don’t care about anything except their pink polos, and sperrys. But we shouldn’t judge because we really don’t know them,” Falotico said.
Despite these cruel opinions on the young people living in Fairfield County, many still recognize that these students are much more than just expensive clothes and fancy cars.
“There is such a harsh opinion on the kids of Fairfield County. Although the stereotypes have had to emerge from somewhere, it is unfair that everyone is clumped together. I have personally taught and met some of the best people attending Newtown High School,” Pescarmona said.
Besides having social norms in societies like Fairfield County, there are also specific rites of passage that determine who you are as a person and what you may wish to accomplish. Rites of passage are specific events that define who you are and ensure your place in the community. These rites of passage are also an overbearing factor that one is pressured to obtain. Examples of these in Fairfield County include graduating high school and moving onto college. College is common but not to the extent it is in Fairfield County. Virtually everybody goes onto college because they can financially afford it. Getting your driver's license is a significant rite of passage due to the fact that many young people are given the privilege of owning a car or at least borrowing one from their parents. Both these events are often overlooked by many in the community, however, if you take a step back you realize that Fairfield County has extremely unique elements compared to the surrounding counties in Connecticut.