Stargirl

Stargirl’s free-spirited self-expression stands out at Mica High which, Leo notes in a wry understatement of the year, is “not exactly a hotbed of nonconformity” (10). Stargirl’s individuality poses a threat to the student culture and prompts retaliation against her. Spinelli uses this conflict between individuality and nonconformity to deliver the important message to stay true to oneself and one’s beliefs.

No one at Mica High stands out in either a positive or negative way, and if anyone does, they “quickly snapped back into place like rubber bands” (10). They dress, eat, and act the same, thereby reinforcing and maintaining the status quo. The students at Mica High demonstrate herd mentality and groupthink. They follow along with group decisions that discourage individuality and creativity. They also pressure their members to conform to group thoughts. Hot Seat is an example of a leveling force. Students are put on the spot about their individual preferences, ensuring that they will uphold the group culture. The student body is like a group of sheep, each thoughtlessly following one another just because everyone else—epitomized by the undistinguished Wayne Parr, the “core” of the school—is doing it.

Leo is one of the sheep. He tells Stargirl he is “one of them” (135) and knows what “everybody” thinks. Leo’s self-confidence and identity are tied to group acceptance. Explaining the importance of fitting in with the group, Leo articulates the essence of herd mentality. He tells Stargirl that the “group thing” is important, and that acting the same as everyone else is what holds the group together. Aberrational behavior is not tolerated: Leo explains that those who cannot follow group culture belong in jails and mental hospitals, implying that Stargirl is deviant and therefore dangerous. Irving L. Janis first proposed the theory of groupthink in 1972. He observed that group members who set aside their personal beliefs and go along with the group—even when the group makes bad decisions—do so because they are afraid of disturbing the group and are afraid of being rejected. Leo demonstrates both of these fears. He chooses group approval over Stargirl’s love and friendship out of a well-founded fear of ostracizing and rejection.

Stargirl’s beliefs and self-expression do not align with Mica High’s norms. Initially, her eccentricities brand her as “unsafe” (26), and students are wary of her. When Stargirl usurps Wayne Parr’s influence, however, she dissolves the group unity, and the students experience a surge of self-expression. Leo notes that the “pronoun ‘we’ itself seemed to crack and drift apart in pieces” (41). Stargirl’s changes are undermined by Hillari’s campaign of othering. When a person is classified as other, or not a part of the group, they are considered dangerous. As a way of maintaining group identity, the group works to reject, stereotype, and dehumanize the other. Hillari spreads rumors and says disparaging things about Stargirl, like that she is “not real” or an “alien.” Hillari also highlights Stargirl’s differences from the school’s culture, pointing out that Stargirl says the Pledge of Allegiance incorrectly and inserts herself where she is unwelcome. Spinelli uses the language of disloyalty to describe the group’s feelings toward Stargirl; she commits “treason,” and it is a “crime” to interact with her. This language unifies the group, reinforces their norms, and excludes Stargirl.

Stargirl becomes an enemy, ironically, because of her kindness and inclusion. Stargirl represents the opposite of othering: belonging. She does not want everyone to be the same, but rather she affirms and accepts differences. Stargirl values uniqueness. Her very inclusiveness is what challenges—and threatens—the Mica group most. They come to interpret her unwillingness to be like them as criticism of their culture, accusing her in Hot Seat, “You don’t like us. Do you?” (67). Despite pressure from peers and her significant other, Stargirl stays true to herself. Ultimately her message of individuality is more powerful than the negative pressure to conform: While popular couple Wayne Parr and Hillari break up, Stargirl’s positive influences remain at Mica High years after she is gone.