Domingo
Matt Domingo
Ms. Williams-Korbel
Honors English 10, Period 2
21 September 2014
Conformity: An Epidemic
There are dangerous times in which men and women follow each other without question. Sometimes they follow the path of others subconsciously, or do so with a clear conscience. This is called conformity; the act of following or joining a group and replicating as they do. Conformity inevitably affects humans on a daily basis, as it is a part of human nature. It has the ability to benefit society as a whole, but can also keep others from possessing a sense of individuality. Both Shirley Jackson and Suzanne Collins illustrate how conformity itself can prevent people from being who they truly are, or even prevent them from standing up for what they believe in. Jackson's "The Lottery" identifies conformity more subtly, and displays how it can affects a seemingly normal society. Collins's The Hunger Games has a more sadistic approach and viewing on conformity and provides a more direct standpoint.
Conformity, although an occurrence in which humans follow the path of others, can actually keep many from being unified. In The Hunger Games, Collins envisioned an event known as the reaping, which is controlled an overseeing and ruling government named the Capitol. This event randomly selects two people from twelve districts to compete in a deathmatch, with only one victor. While others celebrate not being chosen, "[...] two families will pull their shutters, lock their doors, and try to figure out how they will survive the painful weeks to come" (Collins par. 2). The reaping brings everyone together, but forcefully so. In reality, there is no unity as the people have no choice but to participate in this event. As only two are chosen in the reaping as tributes, the peoples' only interest is...