Prejudice And Conformity In The Lottery, By Emily Dickinson

Frequently, we have slight prejudice towards groups we’ve never interacted with. Our childhood, social perceptions, and attributions contribute to this discrimination. Moreover, conformity could be defined as pressure to behave in a ways that are viewed as acceptable. I’ve noticed there isn't a grey area when discussing this. Some argue that conformity takes away social freedom, yet others see it as the proper way of functioning. It is often that we seek to fit in. We must seek to educate and inform ourselves and others on the characteristics which have created prejudice and conforming to the majority.

The poem "Much madness is divinest sense" by Emily Dickinson speaks about how society tends to follow the crowd to fit in. Also, not to stray as if one does, one can be cast as an outsider or even be seen as dangerous. Dickinson encourages rebelling against what is socially accepted. “Much Madness . . .” is sophisticated and ironic, as well as scornful towards the society and its systems of conformity. We are exposed and judged harshly if we go against the grain, uniqueness is not always encouraged in our society. The “discerning eye” (1) sees people for who they really are and demonstrates good judgment while appraising a situation, and Dickinson relies on this idea to justify her statement.

Mirroring Dickinson, "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson is a story of a small town basically devouring a member of its own community. It's one of the most horrifying texts you'll encounter. This story is similar to warnings about drinking or smoking – except Jackson is warning against following along with a group. While growing up one's parents could have mentioned the phrase, "If your friends jumped off a bridge, would you jump, too?" The answer is probably "no," but Jackson disagrees. She thinks one would race off that bridge if the community decided it was necessary. According to her, while individuals may be great, a group of people might be a