The world that I am a part of every single day is a world of chaotic commotion and relentless activity. With the excessive amounts of social and academic obligations that I choose to be involved with, makes time for myself extremely difficult. Yet, I am not alone in this hectic world of excitement. This lifestyle has unknowingly consumed the lives of many Marietta high school students in attempts to maintain a stereotypical East Cobber status. Since it seems as though time refuses to slow down, just for a few seconds in order for me to catch my breath, I hardly ever take the time to notice the surroundings of the community. However when I do get the chance to escape from reality, the observation of the environment and society that I live in serves as an oasis of relaxation.
I have lived in Marietta, Georgia for thirteen years and it is because of this that I have been able to witness the evolution of the community since the age of four. By evolution, I mean change and development. One of Georgia’s most appealing physical landscape attributes are the amount of trees the state possesses. Georgia is flooded in greenery and in particular areas of the state the smell of fresh pine is overwhelming. The season of fall does Georgia the most justice in terms of beauty. This is the time of year when the leaves turn vibrant autumn colors of oranges, reds, and yellows. The sea of color is breath taking while the rustling of falling leaves calms and soothes.
Unfortunately, within the past ten years, Marietta has cut down several acres of tree forests in order to make room for the construction of new homes. New neighborhoods seem to accumulate like weeds in the community. Every home has been built to East Cobb County standards. These standards include: a gated sub-division or neighborhood, at least a two door garage, a basement, a front yard for a flower garden, a back yard to bar-b-q, tall white columns at the entrance (like the ones you see in front of the white house), and a fountain in the very front of the house that squirts water out of the top. Along with lavish housing comes the means of transportation. It is not unusual to see luxurious sedans and expensive sports cars cruise the streets of Marietta. Not to mention the vast amount of mini-vans that are driven by the “super moms” of the community that probably live in the East Cobb County standard home. “Super moms” are not only responsible for keeping a livable household, but also keeping the family members organized and on task in addition to remaining actively involved in the community; this is what makes these moms so super. Now, this description is not completely accurate due to the fact that not the entire county appears this way. However, it is not far from the truth and this imagery is how the community of East Cobb County, Georgia is portrayed and viewed by “outsiders.”
True East Cobbers do not find this stereotypical description to be in the least bit demeaning or condescending. Although this accusation is somewhat false, in actuality the community of Marietta in East Cobb has adapted and lived up to the stereotype. Through the influence of an assumption that the community embodies the elite, East Cobb society has taken that lifestyle and has made it their own. The lifestyle of glam has influenced students and parents a like to maintain a status that is in essence non-existent. The people of East Cobb have achieved conformity through their surroundings and environment. This status is said to be maintained through involvement and work ethic throughout the community. However, once in a while, fast pace East Cobbers do feel the need to put life on hold to take the time and smell the fresh pine and observe the luxury of Mother Nature.
