Value of Others' Opinion
Dive into our society and see that it takes a quick second to alter the way we depict ourselves to the rest of the world. Through apps that conceal blemishes to "social norms" that restrict one's freedom of appearance, people are more than ever self-consciousness of themselves and how people view them.
Our lives start off as innocent infants playing with the variety of toys bought by our parents. We have opinions on absolutely nothing and our only incentive in life is to have fun. Then the teenage years come by where everything changes. Literally everything. From the way one looks to the clothes they wear to how they act, the teenage years are a whole new phase. I remember some of my friends from elementary school would act completely "fake", in a sense, in middle school to become friends with a group identified as the "popular" kids. Now looking back at it, I wonder how we defined popular. By looks, athletic abilities, intelligence? Who knows.
People are so caught up in trying to live a life that satisfies others, giving a greater value to others' opinion rather than their own. To some extent, yes, we do need to think about what others think. The opinions of immediate family, close friends, and colleagues should matter because their opinions are what build relationships. However, opinions of acquaintances, random friends you talk to once a month, or strangers on a street should not matter, unless they are falsely accusing you of something you are not.
In The Great Gatsby, Gatsby is seen throwing extravagant parties very often but never seen being an active participant in his parties. One can infer that he throws all parties for wealth and status, however, this inference is incorrect. The only attention Gatsby desires for is Daisy's. He loves her so much that when they finally met up "he hadn't once ceased looking at Daisy" (91). He even "bought [the mansion] so that Daisy would be just across the bay"(78). Gatsby's motivation (getting together with Daisy) is only known by few characters in the book making him seem like he is convincing society someone who he is not.
Our lives start off as innocent infants playing with the variety of toys bought by our parents. We have opinions on absolutely nothing and our only incentive in life is to have fun. Then the teenage years come by where everything changes. Literally everything. From the way one looks to the clothes they wear to how they act, the teenage years are a whole new phase. I remember some of my friends from elementary school would act completely "fake", in a sense, in middle school to become friends with a group identified as the "popular" kids. Now looking back at it, I wonder how we defined popular. By looks, athletic abilities, intelligence? Who knows.
People are so caught up in trying to live a life that satisfies others, giving a greater value to others' opinion rather than their own. To some extent, yes, we do need to think about what others think. The opinions of immediate family, close friends, and colleagues should matter because their opinions are what build relationships. However, opinions of acquaintances, random friends you talk to once a month, or strangers on a street should not matter, unless they are falsely accusing you of something you are not.
In The Great Gatsby, Gatsby is seen throwing extravagant parties very often but never seen being an active participant in his parties. One can infer that he throws all parties for wealth and status, however, this inference is incorrect. The only attention Gatsby desires for is Daisy's. He loves her so much that when they finally met up "he hadn't once ceased looking at Daisy" (91). He even "bought [the mansion] so that Daisy would be just across the bay"(78). Gatsby's motivation (getting together with Daisy) is only known by few characters in the book making him seem like he is convincing society someone who he is not.
Hi Sahita, I like your post! It's true that we often give too much weight to the opinions of random people and that we often define popularity in a superficial manner. I thought that Gatsby was constantly throwing parties to show off his wealth, but I see your viewpoint too. Nice post!
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