Hello my friend, @marlyncabrera,
This is an interesting discussion indeed. It's obvious the experience of high school, related to the issue of popularity/unpopularity, differs greatly among individuals. The movies I referenced above (and countless others) indicate that this was an issue for many student. To highlight how toxic this could be in school, I will share an anecdote.
We had an honor society in my school, instead of an honor roll. It was my understanding that you had to achieve a certain average in order to be in the honor society. During the first meeting I attended we were voting on new applicants. I always thought admission was automatic. Apparently it was not. I always thought the teachers controlled admission. Apparently they did not, not completely, anyway.
A girl's name was submitted. She was such a quiet, unassuming person, the kind that was generally invisible in a class of my size. She was significantly overweight. She had curly hair that was not fixed in a flattering style, but was sort of flattened to her head. Her complexion was sallow and marked by acne. I knew her from my band class, and she never got into any trouble. Just a nice kid.
When her name was raised, one of the so-called popular girls said, "She smells." I was astonished. It was suggested this unassuming, quiet girl be blackballed because she 'smelled'.
I spoke up. I suggested maybe she had a hormone problem, a medical issue. I was in orchestra with her and never noticed anything. How bad could it be?
That 'popular' girl and her friends persisted. A private vote was held and the young lady was blackballed.
She couldn't stand on the stage with us during our ceremonies. She couldn't have that little mark next to her name on the graduation program.
It killed me. What did that girl think when she was rejected? I couldn't imagine. So cruel, so unfair. That's how popularity worked in my school.
You see how, in a way, the school administration and its structured hierarchy, enabled the dynamic of popularity/unpopularity to have power?
I appreciate your feedback. It is enlightening to share these experiences.
I hope there is relative peace where you are now. My country is rather embroiled in politics at the moment.