Comparing Nonconformity In Self Reliance And Clark Spencer's Zootopia

Dr. Seuss once said, “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” Dr. Seuss brings up a relative point by implying that those who speak their mind and say what they believe matter in society and to themselves. This comparison can be applied to many things in real life and in works of fiction. Ralph Waldo Emerson’s “Self-Reliance” and Clark Spencer’s Zootopia both prove that believing in yourself and staying in control of your mindset leads to inner strength and nonconformity. This theme is supported by the conflicts of man vs. society, man vs. self, and the theme of nonconformity. “Self-Reliance” and Zootopia both display the idea that the conflict of man vs. society can lead

self. In “Self-Reliance,”, Emerson expresses the idea that, “The power which resides in him is new in nature, and none but he knows what that is which he can do, nor does he know until he has tried” (Emerson). Emerson is saying that the inner strength contained is unknown to oneself until they have used it, and that people don’t see this strength in you until you prove it to them. This shows that people can be more powerful than they think, and when they believe in themselves their inner strength shows through. This can also be seen in Zootopia when Judy says, “Oh. Then, I guess I’ll have to be the first one. Because I am gonna make the world a better place!... No one tells me what I can and can’t be!” Although Judy didn’t know if she truly could become a cop, she believed in herself and didn’t let anybody tell her different or change her mind. Her positive attitude and mindset is key to the inner strength she displays when proving to others that she can do what no one else has before. In conclusion, both of these works show through the conflict of man vs. self that being positive can lead to a self awareness of one’s inner strength and a tolerance to

Turns out life is a little bit more complicated than a slogan on a bumper sticker. Real life is messy. We all have limitations, we all make mistakes, which means- hey, glass half full! - we all have a lot in common. And the more we try to understand one another, the more exceptional each of us will be. But we have to try. So no matter what type of animal you are; from the biggest elephant to our first fox, I implore you - try. Try to make the world a better place. Look inside yourself and recognize change starts with you. It starts with me. It starts with all of us.” (Spencer).

Judy’s optimistic view of the world helps her to differ from others around her. She believes that anyone can make a difference and you shouldn’t wait for others to do it for you. Change starts with you. This is the “great man” that Emerson is referring to. One that in the midst of others, is brave enough to speak up and make a change for themselves and for others. In summary, both of these pieces show how taking a different path and not conforming to others leads to inner strength and can be met by being positive and believing in