Everyone belongs to one or more groups, whether they are, religions, political parties, support groups, or any number of others. As a member of a group we gain much from these associations. Individuals normally underestimate the power of a situation within a group; situations often involve the influence of the group. Groups are two or more people who interact and influence one another. We give into group influence because we want our fellow group members to accept and respect us. If an individual says no to their group they fear that eventually they will be eliminated as a group member. Group influences are not always bad thing. We all are influenced by our groups, both negatively and positively. It helps define who we are and how we feel about certain subjects in our lives. .
Group influences occur in all stages of our lives. As a child I remember a time playing with other kids on my block. There was a specific child, John that we picked on the most. All of us in the group were at the baseball field; one of the group members threw a ball and broke a car window. The owner of the car came over to find out who broke the window; the first person that came to our minds was John, even though he was not the one that broke the window. Even though John denied breaking the window he was blamed as all the group members said he did it. John was punished for breaking the window and his parents had to pay to get it repaired. I knew deep down that this was wrong, but never said anything to clear John's name. .
During my adolescent years was the time that I feel that I was influenced the most. One of the times that sticks in my mind was when I was 13 years old; a group of us were at a playground hanging out; some older boys came over with cigarettes. Everyone else tried it so finally my other group members influenced me to try it, all I remember saying was that was the most disgusting thing I have ever done.
