Conformity In Shirley Millers The Crucible - 1986 Words

Conformity is a standard in society. Many conform to rules, laws, behaviors, and so on. However, some are against conformity when topics are controversial For example, whether one should conform to society’s absurd standards or to stay an original, an individual with their own quirks and personality. However, some situations about conformity can be less about individualism and more about realism, instances where one might conform in order to protect oneself, these conditions have been featured in both history and literature. An article titled â€Å"McCarthyism†, provides the history of America’s mass hysteria over communists, and displays how those who were accused would conform in order to keep their jobs. Arthur Miller is a playwright who†¦show more content†¦Continuing his claims of suspected communists, various innocent people were questioned, and some cases ended up proving nothing because of how the information received showed little evidence of th e suspects being a communist. Despite some of the cases having repeated or weak information, the Senate still called for a full investigation, making suspects tell names of others who are communists. It is stated in the article, â€Å"Those who repented and named names of suspected communists were allowed to return to business as usual. Those who refused to address the committee were cited for contempt† (McCarthyism 3). People who were suspected conformed so that they would not be held for contempt. People accused others in order to avoid the punishment for contempt, fearing how the punishment would affect their life. McCarthy’s accusations also had an effect on those who were on the lower rank as well, it reads, â€Å"Uncooperative artists were blacklisted from jobs in the entertainment industry. Years passed until many had their reputations restored† (McCarthyism 3). People conformed in fear of consequences that would practically destroy their life. Being blac klisted meant being unable to find jobs and having a ruined reputation, so civilians conformed to the law to keep their jobs and not have their lives destroyed. Conformity is achieved by fear of consequences throughout McCarthyism,Show MoreRelatedConformity Is A Jailer Of Freedom And The Enemy Of Growth1596 Words   |  7 PagesThe statement â€Å"Conformity is a jailer of freedom and the enemy of growth,† was spoken by John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the thirty-fifth President of the United States, in an attempt to boost American morale. The idea that is being conveyed is that conformity limits freedom, inspiration, and independence, which are the traits that brought the United States to where it is now. Conformity, defined as acting in order and in compliance with social behavior and law, is an extremely ambiguous term, but it means