One major conflict in Aldous Huxley's Brave New World is a struggle between individuality and uniformity. In the civilized society, John is enraged by the lack of uniqueness. Everywhere he looks there are identical twins due to Bokanovsky's Process. Although John believes individuality is for the greater good of society and is natural, the World State supports uniformity because it allows stability. This conflict is similar to the society of reality. Even though the subject doesn't threaten the stability of our society as much as the Brave New World society, people like to shame others that are different from the rest of society.
In addition to Brave New World, Mr.Eastham assigned us to read about a Cheetah Man. The man lived in isolation to escape from society, much like John the Savage. Many people would treat him differently and harshly just because he was different and unique.
The same treatment is still prevalent in today's society. People that are different and don't conform to society are treated differently and usually harshly. Are you a suspect or victim of this treatment? Do you believe it is better to conform to society or embrace individuality?
I agree with your statements of how people who choose not to confirm with society are treated as outsiders. The Leopard Man reading was a great example of how harshly society can look upon people that behave different from others. Considering your last question, as important as I feel individuality is in society I believe people should do what makes them happy. Some people are natural born followers who enjoy confirming to society and flying under the radar, while others find enjoyment in expressing themselves in unique ways. Whether people are finding new ways to express themselves or following society’s expectations I don’t think anyone deserves to be looked down upon for being themselves or doing what makes them happy.
ReplyDeleteI agree, people frown upon other people who have different ideas and lifestyles than them. Once people get pass the difference and understand there will be inclusiveness. I also believe that people are different. Whether they choose to conform to society it is still inevitably a huge part of them. Growing up in society will influence how one thinks and ultimately on how they view the world. I think no matter what, as people grow up they start to realize what they want and what makes them happy. They grow up to be their own individual person that makes them unique in their own way. Whether that's conforming to society or not, by doing what makes them happy it makes them unique.
ReplyDeleteI can concur with all three of you guys and I strongly believe that individuality should be embraced by society because each and every one of us are very different and that is a good thing. People may share the same views and values but no two people are the same and I think that if someone is happy doing what they love, they should not be judged or criticized. I really enjoyed that article in Mr. Eastham's class last year and I am glad that someone brought this up again, nice job Javen. I believe that society should not influence our values and we should do what makes us happy. Being unique is a good thing, it separates us from the rest.
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