Sleeping Freshmen Never Lie

In Sleeping Freshmen Never Lie, Scott Hudson often misjudges other students based on their appearances or reputations, stereotyping them, for instance, as the unattainable popular girl, the dangerous ruffian, or the “suicidal” alternative teen. Stereotyping is common in high school, as this is a time when teenagers are experimenting with building an individual identity. Teens seek a way to fit in, questioning who they really are and worrying about what other students think of them. These questions are universal and cause students to categorize each other into stereotypes, which can often become negative judgments based on gender, sexuality, ethnicity, or extracurricular activities or interests. While it’s true that the stereotypes exist for a reason—people do associate with others with similar interests—the truth is that most people fit into different social settings and are far more complex than a single stereotype suggests. Scott’s habit of placing everything in categories, evidenced by his lists in his journal, carries over into his perceptions of fellow students, which causes him to misjudge the true nature of people like Wesley Cobble, Lee, and tragically, Mouth Kandeski. His misjudgments result in missed opportunities for friendship and hinder his growth as an individual.