Alcocer 1

Alcocer, Patsy
Mrs. Housepian/Ms. Smart
English 2H; Period 5
16 November 2015

Nonconformity: Refusing Societys Presumptions

Never accept the proposition that

just because a solution satisfies a problem, that
it must be the only solution (Feist). The problem in this quote is an acceptable
representation of society, where it can be said that usually there is only one expectation
that the society accepts. Not everyone agrees with only one supposition and respects it,
which is exactly what nonconformists tend to do. These people reject such expectations
and choose to come up with multiple and unique decisions that will affect them and their
identity as one.
This is when an individual has decided to not conform to societys
expectations, that the person ends up transforming his or her own identity, and in some
cases stumbles upon some startling consequences along the way.
Primitively, being nonconformists of societys expectations allows one to
demonstrate that individuality can be acceptable.
Primarily, in the novel,
To Kill A
Mockingbird
, Atticus is addressing his point to Scout of why he chose to defend Tom
Robinson, an African American that was wrongly accused of rape, ...if I didnt [defend Tom]
I couldnt hold up my head in town, I couldnt represent this country in the legislature
(Lee 100).
By pointing out this declaration, one can assume that Atticus does not
necessarily care about the consequences of defending Tom. On the other hand, he mainly

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worries about the way the town and his family would view him if he did not advocate for
Tom.
Atticuss affirmation portrays his identity with the type of parenting that he provides
for his children under racial circumstances. He elaborates the ramifications of what could
happen if he conformed with society, and did not defend Tom, allowing Scout to rationalize
that it is better to help the disadvantaged, their race being of no importance.
The same
aspect of nonconformity is introduced
in the movie clip, Desktops from
Dead Poets
Society
, as the teacher, John Keating, is advising, Now when you read, dont just consider
what the author thinks, consider what you think (Dead Poets Society).
The rationale for
why Mr. Keating is explaining this proposition is to let the boys recognize that they also
have to find their own voice. He does not want his students to be certain of what others
think, even if its written and suggested for them to do so.
The evidence suggests the
teachers identity, by elaborating how he wants his students to be nonconformists in
regards to the numerous pieces of literature and various authors that try to influence their
readers in believing the same idea. He yearns for his students to comprehend that it is
adequate to reject the authors thoughts and to come up with their own verse.
As shown
and recommended nonconforming to guidelines or literary works can be an appropriate
performance, and may even provide gratification with oneself.
Moreover, as a result of not conforming to the societal expectations, it affects the
individuals identity by creating contentment within themselves.
Initially, in the novel
To
Kill a Mockingbird
, while they were waiting for the trial to begin, Jem describes Dolphus
Raymonds personal life to Dill, Hes got a colored woman and all sorts of mixed chillun
(Lee 214).
By picturing Jems description regarding Mr. Raymond, it is clear to the audience

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that it is not usual for a white male to have any type of acquaintance with a colored woman.
Maycombs society looks down on the type of people like Mr. Raymond because they have
chosen to associate with another race besides their own.
The evidence suggests that
Dolphus Raymond is not concerned of his identitys reputation in Maycomb county, as long
as he is pleased to remain in a relationship with his loved one and mixed family.
Similarly,
in Sociology of Leopard Man, Tom Leppards life is depicted in another persons
perspective and is addressed as, Seceding from society, as Leopard Man has done, would
certainly free us from social pressures (Feys 1).
By analyzing Leopard Mans decisions
with Dolphus Raymonds, the lectors can postulate that he does not choose to compel to
societys expectations of what a normal individual should do. He has shown this through
the act of tattooing his whole body, from head to toe, with leopard spots.
As a result,
Leopard Mans identity is criticized by many, but he demonstrates his abilities to avoid the
societal judgements and only achieves his desires that will generate a satisfaction within
himself. Leopard Man considers his lifestyle to be a suitable paradise compared to the
needs of society.
When an individual decides to become a non-conformist towards societys
expectations, they realize that they are capable of being more jubilant with their lifestyle,
although some complications may emerge.
Ultimately, applying nonconformity in various standpoints is appropriate, but
unexpected consequences may arise from implementing ones aspirations.
First and
foremost, in the short story Two Kinds, Jing-mei, daughter of a mother who wished she
had become a prodigy, analyzed what her life had become and acknowledged, In the years
that followed, I failed her many times I didnt get straight As. I didnt become class

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president. I didnt get into Stanford. I dropped out of college (Tan 7).
It is important to
note this because, as a result of Jing-mei choosing to ignore her mothers wishes for her,
she ended up failing multiple times along her years of growing up. She offers various
examples of the deficiencies she faced, in a sequential order after denying her ability to
become a prodigy.
A conclusion that can be drawn from this scenario, is that one was not
expecting Jing-mei to give up and be unsuccessful. On the contrary, Jing-meis identity was
envisioned to achieve greater accomplishments and always remember her mothers advice
of trying her hardest, even if she couldnt reach the potential of becoming a genius.
Furthermore, in connection with Jing-meis outcomes,
the short story, The Pedestrian,
emphasizes a similar situation where Leonard Mead was nonconforming to societys
expectations by walking the lonesome streets, when a police car stopped him, ...the lone
car turned a corner quite suddenly and flashed a fierce white cone of light upon him
(Bradbury 1).
The audience is able to captivate the understanding that, the police car
believes that Leonard Meads habit of walking every day, qualifies as an exhibit of strange
behavior during the year 2053 AD. His act of roaming the streets is considered as a crime
within his civilization, due to the fact that the police car is only in charge of stopping crimes
that are being committed.
The lectors were not expecting Mead to be arrested for simply
getting some fresh air during a desolated night. This emphasizes that Meads identity has
been impacted by societys expectations, and is now considered as a threat to his
surroundings.
Diverse ramifications are able to derive when an individual is trying to be a
nonconformist in the most easeful way.

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Ones denial of conforming to societys expectations can further the influence on

their identities. Atticus and Mr. Keating talk to the the young adults, and influence them to
analyze that nonconformity is more preferable, Dolphus Raymond and Leopard Man
expose their blissfulness when avoiding societal norms, and Jing-mei and Leonard Mead do
as their nonconformity desires please, even though troubles come to play. Collectively,
these individuals are embracing their true identities that are impelled by the refusal of
conformity, and choose to achieve what they believe is right. It is only when a person
demonstrates his or her ingenuous beliefs that they reveal who they truly are.

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Works Cited
"A Quote by Raymond E. Feist."
Goodreads
. Web. 16 Nov. 2015.
<http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/420196-never-accept-the-proposition-that-jus
t-because-a-solution-satisfies>.
Bradbury, Ray. The Pedestrian. Literature & Language Arts. Ed. John Layden and Hester
Weeden. Austin: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 2003, 47-51. Print.
Dead Poets Society
. Dir. Peter Weir. Touchstone Pictures, 1989. DVD.
Feys, Logan. The Sociology of Leopard Man. Rebirth of Reason. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Dec.
2012.
<http://rebirthofreason.com/Articles/Feys/The_Sociology_of_Leopard_Man.shtml>.
Lee, Harper.
To Kill A Mockingbird
. New York: Hachette Book Group, 1960. Print.
Tan, Amy. Two Kinds. Literature & Language Arts. Ed. John Layden and Hester Weeden.
Austin: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 2003. 98-107. Print.