Think of a fad that became overwhelmingly popular when you were between the ages of 8 and 13.

Was it Harry Potter? Skateboarding? Boy Bands? Hello Kitty? Describe your involvement with this fad or your intense dislike of it? Explain how it became part of your identity at that time.

When did you notice the popularity of this particular fad? How did this fad affect the way people acted? Dressed? Entertained themselves?

How would you describe your involvement with this fad? Were you an avid fan or were you a critic, like Wheeler?

How did your love or hate of this fad influence your friendships at the time? How did it affect how you spent your time? Looking back, how did your love or hate of it shape your sense of identity at that time?

In your opinion, how do fads impact people’s sense of identity? Do the impact all age groups on some level? Why or why not?