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The issue of conformity and individuality
The issue of conformity and individuality
Conformity and individuality essay
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The persuasive article “Individuality vs. Conformity: The Healthy Middle” focuses on that there is a healthy middle. She supports her claim by stating “from small societal groups to our government, and from the liberal arts to social sciences.” The writer 's purpose was to persuades to look for that healthy middle for we be like other that are conformists. The author writes in a persuasive style for audience could change to find the middle. Of Aristotle 's three rhetorical appeals, the author of “Conformity vs. Individuality: A healthy Middle?” uses Pathos most effectively to get the reader to look for the healthy balance between Individuality and Conformity
The persuasive yet informational article “Individuality vs. Conformity: The Healthy Middle?” explains, discusses, that people want to fit in and stand out. The writer supports her explanation by emphasizing that we all long to be different, however not to the point where we stand out too much. The writer’s purpose is to call attention to the issues of group conformity in order to bring light to what teenagers of modern day times go through. The author writes in an emotional style for young adults and others interested in the topic of conformity and individuality. Of Aristotle’s three rhetorical appeals, the author of “Conformity vs. Individuality: A Healthy Middle?” uses pathos most effectively to get the reader to emotionally connect with
Social Conformity in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest “He Who Marches Out Of Step Hears Another Drum” (Kesey 154). In this modern world, to come to terms with society is to conform to its standards. A society regularly scrutinizes people who do not fit the common mold of norms. Consequently, forcing people to follow a societal norm is detrimental to the health of the mind and body. This struggle between conformers and nonconformers creates a schism in a society that causes a great disparity in ideals.
The cost of conformity is the loss of individualism,
Merriam-Webster defines conformity as, “action in accordance with some specified standard or authority” (Merriam-Webster). With this definition in mind, one may discover that it is quite easy to conform into a society ridden with cliques of people and individuals that have similar interest as oneself. Although it may be easier to conform, conformity prevents the surrounding society from growth, inevitably making the society and its people horrendously boring and incapable of being a working individual in the stated society. Kurt Vonnegut Jr.’s “Harrison Bergeron”, “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been” written by Joyce Carol Oates, and “Musée des Beaux Arts” by W.H. Auden all vaguely discuss the necessity of individualism, understanding
“The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe. If you try it, you will be lonely often, and sometimes frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself.” Throughout his career, famed German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche criticized conformity; he viewed it as the regression of human society. It is not necessarily a negative trait, but like any dangerous virus, it remains dormant until a sickness exposes the host.
What is conformity? What is individuality? Conformity is behaving according to what society accepts, following rules or laws. While individuality can be considered as the opposite. Individuality is being different from the rest, being original and being yourself, not what other expect you to be.
A society is created through civilizations; civilizations are created through a number of things, most importantly a shared sense of identity in their culture. Therefore, uniformity is a built-in foundation for societies. When someone doesn’t fit into this shared identity, they are looked down upon – considered “non-conformists.” This sets the basis for the idea that conformity in a society overpowers peoples’ sense of individualism.
In today’s society the general attitude towards an individual is conform or be an outcast. It is seen in schools where people who do not fit into specific cliques become outcasts, the weird people. It is seen in the work place as well. People have conformed to standards set by society simply because society has said to do so. Society asks people to change themselves to fit in.
Firstly, conformity creates a safe atmosphere and a safer environment for the citizens to live in. Conformity eliminates all the negative and positive differences in each other. Yes, individualism does urge people to pursue personal achievements, which creates competition between individualism with a desire to besiege each other that can unfold a war within the civilisation, an onset of development of dangerous, harming and deadly weapons that lead to illness, mental and physical disorders in addition to deep dejection in the society. To prevent this from originating, we can abolish all the distinctions between each other and as Jonas said “we can gain control of many things.” which can be achieved together as a community.
Conformity, in relation to societal norms, happens to be something many people strive to deviate from, yet only few are able to achieve. One reason for this could be because the media nowadays is being blamed for manipulating people to subconsciously adhere to certain views. The media is being used to evoke certain thoughts, whether it be about purchasing something being advertised in a commercial, or even in news reports to give the viewers a certain impression on a topic. Likewise, there are people who are successful in resisting this level of conformity. In real life, Lynn Coady, author of Genius or Madness? would exemplify such behaviour, based on what ideas are presented in the essay.
Conformity and individuality are important themes. We apply them to our lives. Conformity is everywhere, but individuality is very rare to find because everyone is afraid. Conformity versus individuality is important to study in order to better understand
Finally, To fit in or to Be yourself or…? well that 's a personal question who will you be; will you go along with conformity like Ms.Mcgregor believes we should because it runs society smoother. Furthermore will you be yourself like Thoreau believes we should, and not be dependent on other people. Or… will you find the healthy middle like a young author that wrote “Conformity vs. Individuality: A healthy middle” says “delicate balance between complete individuality and complete uniformity” she is trying to say that there is balance between individuality and conformity.
For an utopian society to exist, there needs to be a merging of conformity and individualism in the society. Pure individualism or pure conformity in a society leads to a lopsided and corrupted society; they need to exist in synchrony. In Merry Mount, the people follow an ideology of complete freedom of thought and of individualism. The Puritan’s society shows what happens when everyone conforms and no one expresses their individual beliefs. When the ideologies of conformity and individualism merge it combines into a greater society as a whole, better than either of the individual half’s.
In today's society, the balance between individualism and conformity to society's expectations is a prominent and deceptive conflict. Oftentimes, the individual must put his uniqueness aside and settle for a view of an occupation, hobby, or idea that society agrees with. Instead of expressing original and creative ideas, they are held hostage by comparing themselves with the lives and accomplishments of others and the standards their our society. One of the biggest tools of society, social media, allows people to share ideas and interests with everyone. However, naturally, one will only post what he knows others will accept and enjoy just as he does.
