Post #1
- We are afraid to speak our minds because we are afraid of what others would say or think of us.
“Society everywhere is in conspiracy against the manhood of every one of its members.”
- By having to conform to the will of the society, every man loses his individuality.
“What I must do, is all that concerns me, not what the people think.”
- Do what you like, not what others like.
“Nothing is at last sacred but the integrity of your own mind.”
- Your own mind is the essence of your individuality.
I would like to comment on and connect three of Emerson’s quotes. First, I will start with, “We but half express ourselves and are ashamed of that divine idea which each of us represents.” I see this quote as expressing the idea that people are afraid to express their own ideas and actions. People do not have the confidence in themselves to speak out and convey their own beliefs. They are afraid that people will deny, shoot down, or make fun of their ideas, that is why they are “ashamed” to show their individuals ideas in public. For example, a student in class might be afraid to speak out his or her ideas because he or she is embarrassed because he or she knows that he or she will be made fun of. This idea then relates to, “Society everywhere is in conspiracy against the manhood of every one of its members.” These two relate because it is society that sets these standards and restrictions of what ideas are appropriate and what ideas are not right. Due to the society, many are afraid to speak their minds because it is not what others think. I interpret this quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson as the loss of individuality due to the demanding ways of society. Many people feel more comfortable being part of the majority rather than the minority and is sucked in to that majority group. Since everyone wants to be part of the group, they conform to the group views and lose their own individual personality and instead instill the group’s ideals. Another way society hurts individualism is through the media. From magazines to the TV, it is star-studded with the latest fashion trends, the top 10 most beautiful people, weight loss tip, etc. The media has created this ideal image of what people should wear, how people should act, and which celebrity people should be like. The media has made celebrities god-like and makes it feel like they should be worshipped. So many people want to be just like their favorite celebrities and copy them exactly in many aspects of life. This is why in many advertisements; big companies hire celebrities to represent their brand, people want to have what the celebrities have so they purchase the items that the celebrities endorse. This then takes away from individuality because instead of being yourself, everyone wants to be like Brad Pitt or Angelina Jolie. With that point given we come to the final quote, “Nothing is at last sacred but the integrity of your own mind.” I feel that Emerson is trying to convey the idea that your own thoughts and ideas are the most important to your individuality. Your individualism and personality is who you are, it is what you are made of and represent. Without your own beliefs or opinion there would be no you. You would be nothing, your mind is the object that shapes your personality and creates your persona that the people around you associate with. By conforming to the will of society it is like having your freedom taken away. There would be no you and instead a million Brad Pitts.
3 comments:
Becca - I completely agree with you with regard to the media and celebrities. The celebrities we have today in this country are made out to be as role models when they are far from being responsible enough to be parents. I have no problem with society having people to look upon as models; in fact I would encourage it. The problem with these models we have today is that they are being chosen and idolized for the wrong reasons. Celebrities like Paris Hilton and Lindsey Lohan are being idolized because they have good bodies, they have a lot of money, etc. I would want role models who are famous for their character, their positive accomplishments, and their personalities. I believe if America had more role models like these, we would not have as many problems as we do now. Many people see what the bad role models we have do and they think that what they do is acceptable; it is not. I believe Emerson would agree with me on this point. This is exactly the think he was talking about in his essays when he says things like, "Society everywhere is in conspiracy." I believe if we had role models of character and principle, Emerson would change his views.
Becca- I liked how you connected the essay to modern times. The first thing I thought when I read it was "Uh oh I love Britney Spears, does that make me not an individual?" But then once I reflected for a moment I realized that the difference between me and most of America is that I don't idolize her, I don't want to be like her. I think young girls who aren't independent and confident see her and think wow if I'm like her then I'll have it all. They are proving Emerson true when he says “We but half express ourselves, and are ashamed of that divine idea which each of us represents.” These girls are afraid to be individuals so they become little Britney wannabes, they are hiding their divine light.
American society is creating people who are materialistic and incredibly shallow with twisted morals. I think this is due in part to this celebrity influence. If someone can't get past how fake it all is, then they are sucked in and become afraid to do or say anything society would deem unacceptable.
"I feel that Emerson is trying to convey the idea that your own thoughts and ideas are the most important to your individuality. Your individualism and personality is who you are, it is what you are made of and represent."
Becca-
I really like this line from your response on self-relliance. It is so true that who we are defined as what we know and what we think. All we can truly rely on here is what we know and what is in our mind. That is the only way we can all maintain our indivduality. We have to maintain our own thoughts and not trust others' for us all to be different from each other. Our thoughts are what make us different from everyone else.
Good Job!
Post a Comment