Be yourself. This simple phrase is practically drilled into the minds of children as they grow up. It’s an elementary concept, and everyone is told they are unique as a snowflake, completely special. When we grow up, this task becomes more difficult. No matter how free to we think we are, there’s always some level of conformity that each of us is subject to, even without realizing it. How real can one person really be? Do the communities we join challenge our ability to be genuine? Today I’d like to discuss the ways people are swayed by various communities and the daring potential of being wholly and authentically ourselves. If someone is concerned with being authentic, they should ask themselves this: Who am I? This is an easy question to …show more content…
Porter describes a discourse community as, “a group of individuals bound by a common interest who communicate through approves channels and whose discourse is regulated,” (Porter). This idea of being authentic can apply to discourse communities as well. Being in a community, especially a discourse community, changes a person.If someone spends a lot of time with a particular group of people, they are more likely to use the same words and expressions that the group does. Another example of this is a television discourse community revolving around the show Friends. Although I don’t watch the series, I have a lot of friends that do. Because they are a part of it, they seem to reference and quote the show quite often. This shows intertextuality within their daily conversations. Because they are conforming to this discourse community, the community is influencing their actions and words. The words they speak are not their own. No! They are merely reflections of the discourse they are a part of. If this cycle keeps spinning, how is there any room for originality? Here is where I believe a problem …show more content…
In order to maintain a place there, it seems like people are blatantly expected to forgo their individuality and conform to the standards of the group. This makes sense, but what if I choose to be a part of multiple communities whose standards are in conflict with one another? This is where things get a little sticky. A research professor at the University of Houston, Brené Brown, says authenticity is, “It's the choice to show up and be real. The choice to be honest. The choice to let our true selves be seen,” (Brown). From what I’ve observed, there are so many facets of the human personality. Even when part of different communities that conflict with one another, as long as we are wholly invested and raw in that moment, it is possible to be
Individualism and conformity—two very commonly used terms to describe anyone in today’s times. In comparison to the article “The Sociology of Leopard Man,” written by Logan Feys, one of the most notable quotes that relates to individualism and conformity is “to be a human is to be an individual human, with individual tastes [.][and]talents [.] that are distinct from those of others. Living in society, we are under constant pressure to surrender our individuality to the will of the majority, the school, the workplace, the family,.” (Feys Par. 6.)
On the other hand, ideally one should be true to one’s heart, if Disney’s Mulan is to be believed. But these are neither solid pieces of advice nor wise counsel; they are at best hand-wavy, wishy-washy statements that offer no guidance on traveling the minefield that is remaining true to oneself. In fact, given the wide swath of human experiences, it is difficult to imagine a panacea effective for each and every trial and tribulation people may encounter in maintaining the integrity of their identities; personally, I don't think one exists. Just as there are myriad events, emotions, and memories from which one’s identity develops, it surely follows that there are just as many ways social norms act to compromise one’s individuality, ostensibly for the worse. Therefore, it seems that an indirect solution would best serve individuals filled and bombarded with doubt about who they really are; namely, the unwavering support of a community would allow individuals to resolve, on their own terms, their inner conflicts stemming from outward
One’s surroundings influence his/her actions, which lead to how a person might see one as, and one’s outer appearance should be true and make him/ her feel confident to help show his/ her true identity. However, why should one care what his/her identity is like? How does it benefit him/her? The real question is, how can one make his/her identity better? Or why is one’s identity important? The answers to those questions are completely decided by one who decides what he/she wants to change. That one person can change himself or herself forever, or let the world change him/her
A Discourse Community is a group of people that share a set of goals or discourses and within this group, find ways to communicate about these set goals. Discourse Communities can mean having a spot on a sports team, being a part of a school club, and even your workplace can be considered a discourse community. To be accepted into a discourse community, one must seen as a credible source, one that has knowledge on the topic at hand and can help the group reach the goals of the discourse community. When joining a discourse community, it is important that one learns how those in the group use effective ways of communicating.
The novel, Brave New World by Aldous Huxley first published in 1932, presents a very bleak out look of what future society will be like. The novel presents a future of where almost total conformity is a carefully guarded aspect of society. Even before one is "decanted" they are conditioned to fill a specific roll and to act a certain way.
You belong to a discourse community! Whether you know it or not almost everyone belongs to some type of discourse community, but how does it affect you as an individual? From the studies of multiple authors, it has been established what defines a discourse community, what effects intertextuality have on a discourse community and even the overall dynamics, but even with all this research there is still something missing. Elizabeth Wardle, John Swales, and James Porter all make very good discussion points and arguments in their research, but none of these writers stop to examine the effects that these communities could possibly have on the individuals that make the community what it is. Just as it’s the simple stone block that when combined become
In society, it's difficult to go against the norm. Individuals are compelled to act a specific way, or look a specific way in order to be accepted. For instance, teenagers may encounter pressure from their peers to partake in specific exercises that may not be moral, since they feel the need to fit in. This weight of conformity isn't just present in reality; it can be found in literature as well. The story "St. Lucy’s Home For Girls Raised by Wolves" by Karen Russell depicts that in order to conform to society, individuals abandon their selflessness and compassion and become selfish and apathetic.
A general definition of a discourse community is the different groups of people one socializes with, either voluntarily or obligatory. I believe that membership in a discourse community holds more value than any ordinary friend group. A “discourse community” is a group of people who share knowledge of a particular topic, similar backgrounds and experiences, values, and common ways of communicating. Gee defines discourse communities as a “form of life which integrates words, acts, values, beliefs, attitudes, and social identities as well as gestures, glances, body positions, and clothing” (Downs 484). According to Swales, there are six characteristics that mak...
Pursuing a personal desire and choosing to conform to societal expectations is a challenging decision to make. A person must decide if their personal desire is worth risking the shame and judgment of others or is conforming the route to take because it is easier. When pursuing a personal desire one must ask itself if it is worth the hardship to accomplish one's desire or if it is best left alone and repressed, in hopes of finding comfort in conformity. John Laroche from The Orchid Thief expresses his personal desire without a care for conformity or societal expectations. Nevertheless, Laroche never stopped being strange as he grew up with fascinations of many objects such as orchids, turtles, old mirrors and fish tanks.
Allowing people the discovery of their true nature, ending their life of mimicry and fakery. Individuality is important and beneficial for it develops a sense of freedom which brings out the authentic self. Whether this is rebellious or not is up for debate, but this act of nonconformity can unlock new ideas and open paths for brighter futures, letting creativity flow through minds of those who have been restrained by peers and their opinions. Be different than others, express yourself through thoughts and ideas that have been hidden by conformism and do not be afraid to be a
In many cases, people feel that they have a unique identity, but that they can’t express that identity, due to various pressures. There are many obstacles that could possibly prevent people from expressing their true selves. In modern society, conforming to the “norm” is a huge aspect of this and often causes problems. People are heavily influenced by external forces: their peers and family. These external aspects of peoples’ daily lives often become obstacles, preventing people from being their unique selves. People fear of being viewed poorly which causes conformity.
In the conclusion of Charles Taylor’s “The Ethics of Authenticity,” Taylor addresses how modern individuals need to rediscover what is most important and valuable. The culture of individualism and authenticity is ingrained in our modern language and society. And while individuals may believe that individualism is the cause of the three malaises, they must acknowledge that individualism points to authenticity. Individualism is about a common humanity, and that the value of individualism is greater than just ourselves.
In affirmative culture and authenticity. the individual learns to love his isolation; factual isolation is sublimated into metaphysical isolation and inner abundance substitutes for physical hardship.45 Affirmative culture prides itself by inner fulfilment in the place of outer limitations, the soul becomes the last area of refuge from attack.46 Since authenticity requires a facticity in which an entirely free self is contrasted with an entirely dynamic world, it encapsulates this inner freedom perfectly.47 Authenticity perfectly demonstrates the value of individualistic withdrawal against the reifying forces of civilization; it does not matter what occurs externally, as long as one's internal choices are "authentic". Every authentic individual exists without material or spiritual limitations; this is exactly what affirmative culture demands.48 Through it's withdrawal, authenticity encapsulates affirmative
There are countless factors that influence the way people personify themselves. In the end, the forming of one’s identity is dependent on a person themselves. Things such as media, culture, and education definitely have a part in determining identity, but it is important for people to determine their own uniqueness by not conforming to everything they may see or hear from these influences. The way people decide to forge their own personalities directly affects their futures.
Through socialization, people discover the advantages of concealing their genuine selves. Merely the thought of being marginalized for uniqueness gives some individuals anxiety. Holding non-traditional beliefs, wearing peculiar clothing, saying something colorful or simply deciding not to conform to societal standards puts a person at risk. Subsequently, cloaking ourselves in facades and wearing intricate masks can become so commonplace that we forget who we truly are as a result. Apprehension has led us down this foggy path, and complacency prevents numerous from deviating the course. Commencing this unfamiliar journey towards authenticity can be initially painful and scary, yet necessary to uncover deceitful thoughts, feelings and behaviors while additionally allowing close, healthy relationships. Authenticity is a masterful practice of continual self-discovery, self-contentment, and compassion. Authentic individuals are so proficient that they look outside themselves to the needs and desires of others, for they are deeply in-touch with their own mind, body, and soul. Am I an authentic person? This question can not be answered with a straight yes or no, because no one can be completely authentic, or fully unauthentic. Personally, I attempt to be