Conformity In Mark Twain's Corn Pone Beliefs In Society

900 Words2 Pages

There are certain obvious trends in society that beg interpretation. Fashions, for example. Haven't we all disliked one new fashion or another, then find ourselves starting to like it the more we see others liking it? It seems that we often accept others' opinions as our own. Why do we do that? Why are we so fickle, so easily influenced? People's tendency to esteem others' opinions as their own comes in one of two forms, both stemming from a need to conform. Either they have no opinion on the matter and so choose the most socially acceptable belief, or they do have a real understanding but also choose the most socially acceptable belief because they want approval from others. In Mark Twain's essay Corn Pone Opinions, he critiques society's …show more content…

In Twain's essay, he writes that he noticed that many people had a very strong opinion about an issue, yet did not really understand why they felt that way, or even what they were arguing about. In truth, they had based their opinion off others opinions, who based their opinions off others in turn, with very few people actually having an educated opinion on the issue. I think this is seen in the subtle social opinions that dominate society, and is the reason for fashions and social trends. For example, a new clothing fashion comes out and you notice people wearing it. At first, maybe you don't really think about it- only make note of it. Meaning, you don't really have an opinion on it. But then, as more and more people start to wear it, you may start to like it. Why? Not because you suddenly gained a new appreciation for that style of clothing. You like it because it's in style. You may tell yourself, I think it's flattering, or I really like how it looks, or any other reason. But when it comes down to it, you have subconsciously formed your own opinion based on the opinions of those around you. Everyone else likes it, and you like when everyone else likes you. So you want to like it too, to gain the approval of

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