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Conformity

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Conformity
President Kennedy once said “Conformity is the jailer of freedom and the enemy of growth”

Good morning and thankyou all for being here today at the forum.

Life is a constant battle between conforming and being an individual. It is about finding that balance so that conforming does not become ‘the jailer of freedom’ or ‘the enemy of growth’.

Conformity is basically a process by which people's belief or behaviours are influenced by others.

We conform to rules and regulations, so that the world runs smoothly. These can have positive effects. Examples include, driving on the left side of the road, preventing accidents.

Then there is conforming to the length of not having your own opinions and just following the norm to fit in and feel apart of something. This can have a negative influence. Being a part of a group because they are stereotyped as ‘cool’ is an example.

Individuality and stepping out from the crowd can also have a positive or negative effect. Being an individual is positive as your living by what you want and what your morals are although this can be negative if your intentions are bad.

After evaluating both novel ‘Raw’ by Scott Monk and film, ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ directed by Frank Darabont there is similarities that support the notion that “Conformity is the jailer of freedom and the enemy of growth.

Scott Monks ‘Raw’ is about a delinquent teenager, who has been sent to a detention centre, ‘The Farm’ for three months after breaking and entering into a liquor store. Brett is hardened and angry and refuses to listen what anyone has to say.

After finding himself using his fist in every situation, Brett comes to his senses after receiving wise words from the owner of the farm Sam “Just remember, Brett, only you can change your life”. Brett is no longer hardened but still has a lot to learn and is sentenced to jail after committing continuous crimes.

Shawshank Redemption is a film that deals with the institution of a prison

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