I was just reading through "Self-Reliance" for about the hundredth time and paused on this sequence:
It is easy in the world to live after the world's opinion; it is easy in solitude to live after our own; but the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude.
If we can forgive the sexist language (I'm sure you noticed how Emerson associates brave nonconformity with masculinity and mindless conformity with femininity), perhaps we can take a minute to appreciate this three part statement. If nothing else it is a perfect lesson in how to use the semicolon, the most under appreciated of punctuation marks.
No, seriously, I like what he says here, because it puts into words something I've felt before. Living how the world expects you to live is relatively easy. If you know how to pick up basic social cues, it is easy enough act in ways that bring us into the protected fold of society. It is also easy, when isolated, to make thoughtful decisions about the kind of person you want to be. You can close your bedroom door and make your own personal mission statement and accompanying lists of values, virtues, and resolves (like Ben Franklin). But as soon as you take that list -- and those very individualistic notions -- out into the world, you start to feel the brute power of social expectation. Truly courageous people stand up to this tidal wave of expectation, dig their feet in mud, and insist upon their own visions of themselves. To use the language of the guy from this morning's assembly, courageous people are the ones who stand up. I'm not talking about rebellion per se, or even Rosa Parks type determination -- just the simple courage to be exactly the person you are or want to be. If you decide that most gossip is mean-spirited and hurtful, then have the courage to say something your catty friends -- or even walk away. Sometimes, in order to be true to yourself, you have to say things that create the kind of awkwardness in conversations that everyone seems to want to avoid at all costs. Later in the piece, Emerson suggests that we should speak our words as "hard as cannonballs," the exact opposite advice given to us by our good friend Ben Franklin. Cannonballs, of course, can sink ships, but in the end to have enough moral nerve to stand by an unpopular viewpoint can bring the kind of "perfect sweetness" that he mentions. Sweet!
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Where's Waldo
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Preach it Mr. Harrington! Although this is a really cheesy example, the combination of Emerson's thesis and Ben Frankin's empowering virutes remind me of an inspirational "you can do it!" section in a magazine called Seventeen. The writer always encourages you to branch out, embrace what you really love, and to be proud of it. But society makes that almost impossible. I would be so down to lie in bed all day and eat my favorite foods. But it's totally frowned upon by society and more importantly, my dad. But if that's what makes me happy, if that's my sole purpose in life, why shouldn't I be allowed to live my dream? I agree when Emerson writes that it takes a truly great man/woman to really stand by their word and be the person they know they are capable of. Anyone can make promises to themselves about the amazing things they're going to do. Anyone can have great intentions, but very few will work as hard as they can to actually reach their goals. I find myself setting huge goals or dreams to reach when I'm falling asleep or day dreaming or simply thinking in the car. I tell myself I'm really going to do it. But then I forget about it like 20 minutes later. I think we all build ourselves up in our minds. Like we always tell ourselves we're working alot harder than we really are. So that we think we're really being all we can be, but if you really think about it, there's so much more we could be doing to better ourselves and our community. Yeee, Amen.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was reading "Self Reliance," I found myself agreeing with many of the points that Emerson made; this one was one of them. Many people, especially the youth, in our society are afraid to be who they are because it doesn't fall under society's "standard of living." I have been guilty of this myself. There have been times when I was afraid that the things I wanted to do were too radical and "out there." I recently thought of dying my hair cobalt blue and getting a mohawk, but my mom told me that a mohawk is not a very feminine hairsyle. When I read the sentence that spoke of living after the world's opinion, I specifically thought of that situation. Why should I have to keep my hair a certain way simply because I am a female? Why shouldn't I be allowed to experiment with my hair until I find what best suits me? Comments like what my mom made drive me crazy, because I feel as if the influential adults in my life are trying to make me conform to society.
ReplyDeleteIt would be much easier for me to wear a skirt to school, put on makeup, and partake and gossip, but that wouldn't be me. In terms of non-conformity, Emerson is a genius; he believes that in order to be strong and carry weight in society, you must first be proud of who you are. I wish that more teenagers today lived by that rule, because so many are unsure of themselves.
Another point that Emerson made that really spoke to me is that we should all speak our words "as hard as cannonballs." I'm guilty of this; there have been many times when others have been taken aback by what I said because I spoke my mind. I try my best not to be mean when I do (unless my words are meant to sting), but I am unafraid when it comes to stating my opinion on a tender topic that is normally side-stepped around. The entire "Self Reliance" essay is full of lessons that we should live by if we wish to be truly happy with ourselves.
I too was reading "self reliance" for the thousandth time and i began to notice the differences between Franklin and Emerson's opinions. I tend to lean towards the Emerson point of view. If one acts like a robot at all times simply to fit in with their peers, then they are truly adding nothing to the friendship dynamic. I know far too many people like this in todays world. Although i do not read seventeen magazine(publicly that is) i agree with the example that Molly used above. One can only discover their true self if they take the chance and try. My personality is a product of my own doing, i decided who i am and acted as such. I do know for a fact that some people are not fans of the way i act and truthfully, i dont care. On the other hand i can see where Franklin's point makes sense. Although it may be fun to say whatever comes to mind and say it harshly, it is not always appropriate to do so. For example when i see someone acting like an idiot, it is my natural inclination to go tell them and see what happens. However, i usually control myself and let them act like an idiot while i sit back and enjoy the laugh.
ReplyDeleteOk i cant write anymore. Later
I can really identify with this passage from Self-Reliance. I believe that this is an issue that encompasses high school. Like you said in your post, Mr. Harrington, it is incredibly easy and effortless to go along with the social norms of whatever the trend happens to be. There are some people (including me) who are able to form thoughts and ideas that go against typical trends, but these ideas tend to never be put into action, unfortunately. It is because high school is the time when our insecurities are at their highest point, so most people do not want to stand out and be different, because there is a fear of rejection and, to be blunt, awkwardness. Most people just want to be accepted by their peers rather than form their own opinions. One main reason for this is that we are trapped in a high school "bubble" -- where it's hard to see beyond the people you interact with as a teenager. While we're in high school, we are still at a learning stage, and therefore, like most adults say, we don't know everything. I mostly agree with Maya on this one, where fear is our main limit and setback from going out and accomplishing what we are truly capable of doing (corny, yeah!).
ReplyDeleteThe next part to this passage is something that we don't tend to think about, but Emerson is totally right in his thinking. It's so much easier to be independent and "to dare to be different," when we're all alone and thinking about deep things. However, when we're put in the "crowd" setting or with other people whose opinions we value, it is much harder to tell ourselves to be strong and push past our insecurities.
It's interesting to think about the difference between Emerson and Franklin and their literature -- both right in their own ways. Emerson was pretty philosophical, and a big picture type writer, while Franklin was more materialistic and really paid attention to those small details.
This passage is really relevant to our lives overall, and the argument of conformity and non-conformity is an important one. It's pretty sweet to think that Emerson was writing about stuff that still goes on today (:
I aswell lean towards Emerson's view. In society, one is molded and taught who to be by media and their peers, whether they like it or not. One instance of this i remember very well was on a ten-hour road trip to Tahoe with my parents. As sitting in a car for ten hours is not very comfortable, I assesed this situation by dressing in the comfiest of my clothes (Pajama pants and a large sweatshirt). I may have looked like a homeless teen, but why should I care. My mother and I then went into a Kohl's in Bakersfield to buy some miscellenous items. She commented on how i shouldn't go out into public as i did because it made me look unintelligent and sloppy. 1. Who was I to care what any of the people inside of this Bakersfield Kohls thought of me? 2. Who was I to care what anyone thought of how I dressed, shame on them for judging a book by it's cover! I retorted that she was being superficial and judgemental and shouldn't care about what other people thought about her. She told me I was being a bully. This is a prime example of Emerson's view. For, when we actually get to Tahoe, and rarely use our electronics or interact with other people, we don't have to conform to any mold or idea that society wants us to be. We can say whatever we want, and do whatever we want. I mean, I usually do this in daily life regardless, but there is a known limit with my antics.
ReplyDeleteI agree more with Emerson’s opinions, but I think there are elements to be taken from Franklins statements as well. I think Emerson’s opinion that one should be his true self despite how society tries to influence him is a noble one, but is one that can’t be completely realized. I think everyone is partially a product of their environment and at least some of the traits of their surrounding society rub off on them when they are conscience of it or not. I am embedded with many of the same moral values and social traits as my parents simply through years of being exposed to how my parents act. At the same time I strive to be my own person and to do things the way I want to rather then what my parents or society dictate. While societies pressures do have many negative effects that tend to strip our individuality, it also helps to keep us in check sometimes. Like Molly I often want to just lie around and eat and do nothing productive, but societies imposes its will on me and says that I have to get good grades or excel in sports, etc. to lead a successful life so I often get up and go do something to further myself in life, much like Ben Franklin did.
ReplyDeleteHere is Grace's comment. She couldn't get it to post.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with everything stated above. Everyone can relate to this statement, no matter what age you are. Everyone has issues at one point or another in their lives with fitting in. You feel pressure to be "popular" or "blend in with the crowd" because it's the safe decision. What this statement is saying is that you should just be yourself, even when everyone is rooting against you.
We all want to think that we're that special person who doesn't care what people think and who isn't afraid to be themselves, but the truth is that all of us feel insecure once and a while about what other people think about us, regardless of the situation. No matter who you are or how against you are to conforming to society, we all do it once and a while.
I personally, have felt this way multiple times in my life. I've never really found myself fitting in, in certain situations or conversations where I don't know if what I want to say would be accepted by the other people in the conversation etc.
Overall I think that this message is something we can all value.
Like Coleman, I fully support Emerson and his theories but I also can see some truth to Franklin’s ideas. Emerson encourages us to break free from society and to be our own person which is a great thing to do but it is way harder than it seems. Due to the basic rules of society it is much easier to conform than it is to be different and with that conformity there is no creativity and individuality. When someone decides that they want to do their own thing other people look at them and laugh. Franklin believes that the only way to get somewhere in life is to conform and hold back your own ideas. This has some truth to it but there are many great examples of people who were successful for being themselves.
ReplyDeleteI also tend to agree with Meghan when she says that we are in this high school “bubble” and it may be hard for certain people to break free and not to conform like Emerson wants us to do. High School is all about conformity, there is always that weird kid in your class that marches to a completely different beat than the rest of the kids, but that is who Emerson is asking you to be. Emerson has some great ideas but being different is extremely harder than it is to be normal and if you are willing to put up that energy then it is a great thing to be different.
Here is Solia's post... she couldn't get it to post either.
ReplyDeleteI think that Emerson's point relates with anyone who reads it. I completely agree with the idea that it is much easier to blend in and conform to what society wants you to be, rather than to be the person you want to be. People obviously might be more accepted in to a social atmosphere if they act the part, and maybe it works for them because that may be the person they truly are. On the other hand, if someone is just role playing through life, in order to be accepted, they will most likely lose them self over time. It takes a bold and courageous person to actually be who they want to be 100% of the time, and finding a person like this must be pretty rare. This kind of person has to be completely carefree of what others think about them, which in reality is an amazing quality if one can be brave enough to acquire it. If everyone in the world was true to himself or herself, and who they wanted to be, maybe we would have a more balanced, truthful and overall real society. I agree with Molly in the fact that everyone can make promises and goals to better themselves and the community, but seldom do we make all of those a reality. In truth, Emerson has really just given us an alternative outlook on what the perfect person truly is.
I also agree with Eversons point of veiw. Then again, its hard not to. Everyone has that side of them that is different. It's what makes us all unique. But while everyone is individual, it still seems rare that you come across that one person who is willing to let that part of them show. We all have the large part of us that fits perfectly into the "bubble" that has been mentions several times before but we also have unique personalities. Like Meghan said earlier, it is really hard for most people "to dare to be different". Everytime someone takes that step against the grain of society, they are taking a risk and puting themselves out there to be judged. It is this that Emerson is encouraging people to do. Its easy to say that you are going to be yourself and that you'd be happy even if nobody accepted you. In reality, however, this is much harder to do. Everyone is scared of not fitting in. I think that everyone needs that extra bit of support, like the encouragement provided in this passage from Self-Reliance, to help them take that leap and dare to be different.
ReplyDeleteEmerson has a valid point however I think that a nice balance between emerson and franklin is best. For example I love my mustache and im not afraid to grow it out, however not every one seems to agree that it looks awesome. Some call it dirty others uneven but I don't care im going to be who I wanna be. However there comes a time when it gets so long that my girlfriend will refuse to talk to me. And so I must compromise and avoid further conflict. I believe that franklin's idea of keeping quite would apply after a certain period of expressing ones self if it was somewhat of an unwanted mustache.
ReplyDeletePs this booty encase you were confused, because kelly doesn't have a statue.
I can relate with Adam's post (though i know i am the idiot he is referring to at times). One should not succumb to the pressures of the world's opinion. It's best to be yourself after it's all said and done. I'd like to believe i'm my own man, but there is a time and a place for individualism, and it's definitely not always the right time. There are good reasons for this, people could get offended or hurt if people always tried to do what they wanted. But it's hard to determine whether it's best to be a clean cut law abidding citizen or one's own man. The answer comes from a majority, in this case its the greater good society. If every person conformed to one mold thing's would go on smoother, many problems would be avoided. But there wouldn't be that spark, that passion that every person has. The only solution is to find a way to be a gear in a machine contributing to society, and finding the free time to be an individual and treating yourself all the while being lubricated enough to be consistent with your work and commitments.
ReplyDeleteWhile I was reading Self Reliance, I found myself, like Maya, agreeing with many of Emerson's points. I am just as guilty of living up to society's standards as every one else. But, a few years ago I realized that what people do in high school to fit in, like spread gossip, dress a certain way, act a certain way, or even put others down to make yourself feel superior amounts to nothing in the end. We all end up in the same dust. Since then, I have not given importance to living up to other's standards. I'm happy as long as I'm with the people I enjoy to be around. Having to spend years of your life pretending to be some one your not must really suck, and no one should live like that. However, there are many teenagers, especially girls, who suffer from the pressure of society. Because of what OTHER people say, they think they're too fat, too skinny, ugly, nerdy, stupid, too tall, or too short. Some even develop eating disorders, or start cutting themselves, or suffer from depression, or even contemplate suicide just because of what some one else thinks. Pressure from society and the causes of it won't ever be eradicated, and it's sad to see others be so unsure of themselves to have to cover up and act a certain way. Also like Maya and Mr. Harrington, the quote about speaking "as hard as cannonballs" stood out to me. We have all said opened our mouths and said something we probably shouldn't have, which is exactly what Ben Franklin wants to avoid. However, I think there is a medium between both points of views. I think it's always important to speak your mind. If you don't appreciate someone's attitude towards you, tell them. If you don't agree with some one's point of view, say something. If you stick with your values and what you think, and still not agree with the “popular” point of view, then props to you! I also believe that you should never say everything that comes to mind because that can lead to an awkward and messy situation, like the famous quote "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all!".
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