Conformity And Rebellion In Daniel Orozco's Orientation

Today we are associated with a corporate world, where every aspect of our lives is planned. From our work schedules to breaks, off days, and vacations, decisions that influence our daily routines are decided by someone else. In Daniel Orozco's story, "Orientation," he provides a glimpse into the complexities of societal norms, exploring how characters interact with their communities while grappling with the tension between conformity and rebellion. Simultaneously, he reveals how rebellion against these norms becomes a courageous act of self-expression and an assertion of individuality. Orozco contrast of conformity and rebellion prompts us to wonder about the significance of societal expectations. By delving into the multifaceted nature of

The story unnamed narrator exemplifies this struggle, seeking to come into the company's culture and avoid standing out. The story's first sentence is, "Those are the offices, and these are the cubicles. That's my cubicle there, and this is your cubicle" (Orozco 1). This complies with organizational rules and refrains from challenging authority. However, this compliance comes at the cost of his identity, as he becomes another faceless employee in a sea of conformity.
An employee with an identical name is a character introduced who dares to rebel against conformity. He refuses to be addressed by his assigned nameplate, "Thomas," and insists on being called by his real name. This asserts his individuality, challenging the dehumanizing tendencies of the organization. The narrator never specified the identical name, further highlighting the symbolization of being unique and resisting the norm. His actions can inspire others and cause a collective movement toward self-expression and

The disruption serves as a narrative device to reinforce the absurdity of the corporate culture that reduces employees to nameless entities. Moreover, the story does not present the employee's rebellion as an unqualified success but rather as a subtle exploration of the consequences of challenging societal norms. This disruption can motivate the other employees to contemplate their identities and how they are perceived within the organization. There is a character introduced by the name of Gwendolyn Stich, who collects penguin knickknacks. The story specifies: Her favorite colors are black and white, and "She has a pair of fuzzy penguin slippers she wears when working late at the office." Wearing fuzzy slippers with penguins further supports the desire to be unique and does not confirm company