Corn-Pone Opinions

          Mark Twain uses the rhetorical device of general exemplification when writing "Corn-Pone Opinions." Throughout the text, Twain elaborates on how conformity has become such an involuntary part of human nature, we don't even realize it's happening until it's done. In paragraph twelve, Twain states, "They swarm with their party, they feel with their party, they are happy in their party's approval; and where the party leads they will follow, whether for right and honor, or through blood and dirt and a mush of mutilated morals." Humans have a tendency of supporting the infamous phrase "monkey see, monkey do," and Twain illustrates that through his use of general examples. Not too specific as to cause speculation, but vague enough so that it is clear that it applies to at least the majority. In paragraph eight, Twain writes, "The hoopskirt runs its course and disappears. Nobody reasons about it. One woman abandons the fashion; her neighbor notices this and follows her lead; this influences the next woman, and so on and so on..." We often tend to move from one fad to another without much thought or hesitation put into our decision. Once something becomes popular, its expected of you to jump on the bandwagon.
          Twain consistently uses a critical tone throughout the text. He is clearly not too fond of conforming to forever-evolving standards of society. In paragraph seven, he writes, "A person of vast consequences can introduce any kind of novelty in dress and the general world will presently adopt it- moved to do it... by the human instinct to train with the multitude and have its approval... And we should be cruelly embarrassed..." Using such harsh diction like "cruelly embarrassed" emphasizes Twain's position on conformity and the magnitude of disappointment and embarrassment humanity should feel because of our desire for approval. In paragraph eleven, Twain says, "Uttered, perhaps by an ass, but still an ass of high degree, an ass whose approval is gold and diamonds to a smaller ass, and confers glory and honor and happiness, and membership in the herd. For these gauds many a man will dump his life-long principles into the street, and his conscience along with them." Along with incorporating sarcasm, Twain is obviously holds on to his critical point of view through the repetition of "ass." Despite the actual character of a person, or your very own character and morals, all of that goes down the drain when it comes to seeking approval from the masses. Therefore, conformity is our go-to when it comes to, well, literally everything.
                                                            
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          I believe that the issue of conformity still holds great relevance to this day. Especially with the recent and may I say, despicable, result of the U.S. presidential election. America has shown her true colors. We are not this modernized, progressive nation that we claim to be. We are a nation with little factions of modernized, progressive regions. The majority of our country, specifically in the Midwest, has proven to be so uneducated that they're willing to be brainwashed and conform to preposterous ideals without taking a step back and actually learning about what it is they claim to be supporting so dearly. Conformity is a real thing. It is a real issue that needs to be continuously addressed or else the vicious cycle will continue. Our future generations will not be expected to actually want to be educated on vital national and international events. Why would they when their parents impose their views upon them? Why break away from that sense of familiarity? I'll tell you why. For the greater good. Actually taking a stand against the norm instead of conforming is such a notable act since it's so uncommon. Setting a precedent that allows people to feel secure with their thoughts and opinions, that motivates people to learn and live and shape those thoughts and opinions around their actual experiences, not just on popular belief. It's amazing to see a country so renowned take 10 steps back when we all know we are capable of so much more. If only people put in the effort.