Conformity, to begin with, is a term used social-psychology. I first came across it while I was researching for my project in junior college, and since then, it has been a topic of interest.
The word is used in everyday jargon almost inconspicuously, people often substituting it for the erstwhile commonplace term 'copying'. However, conformity is much more than blatant copying; that is what you do in exams, especially when the supervisor's not paying attention, and when your knowledge is absolutely zero. The best part about conformity, I must say, is that even in situations of blatant copying (such as the one mentioned above), there is conformity at play.
To fully understand the finer nuances of conformity, I have participated in some covert social experiments, of which my peers weren't aware of. Well, actually, until before writing this essay, even I wasn't aware of it. But then, that is precisely the wonder of conformity...!
Experiment One: "The Chinese Food Syndrome"
Once a friend pointed out to me, that a large number of people were buying food from the Chinese counter in the canteen. Well, he made this observation after he saw a plate of fried rice in my hand. So what is it that influences, very subtly, the choices of hungry students?
The answer is two fold.
Firstly, Chinese food tastes awesome at any time of the day, particularly in the morning when it's hot and fresh and the you get a chance to choose the best lollypops. And;
Secondly, which is a more scientific explanation, is that it's worth the 30 bucks you pay. Wait, that's not scientific, it's more economics...anyway. There is a sense of conformity as people want to stick to the tried and tested formulas (in this case, recipes), and also, they wish to try out the new dishes that the Chinese counter has to offer. Momos (which were a total failure), spring-rolls, prawns etc, there's always something new apart form the tried and tested. This is a perfect example of the normative ie in case of tried and tested stuff, as well as the informational ie in case of the new stuff everyone seems to be trying out.
Experiment Two: "The Chicken & Cheese Frankie Syndrome"
Situated right next to the Chinese counter is the Frankie counter. Well, Tibbs Frankies are still among the best I've had, but these ones come really close, with special credit to the Xavier's Press' article on the Chicken & Cheese frankie.
An article in the newsletter was a survey about the most popular food in the canteen. And the verdict clearly favoured the awesomely delicious frankie. Well, we all know how surveys are conducted, but in this case, the credibility (of the frankie, not the survey) was beyond questioning. And so, naturally, people flocked to the counter to fill their stomachs with the 'supposedly' (but, I do agree to it 99.5%) most popular item in the college canteen. So much so that, I'm thinking of telling the Tibbs kiosk at VT to introduce the 'chicken & cheese frankie'. (What? I get hungry on my way back home!)
It has been very difficult for me to fully understand the finer aspects of this experiment. And as it is with all rules, even this one has exceptions. That I shall deal with in the next part.
Until then, do try out the chicken & cheese frankie; and if you're vegetarian, there's always the Chinese counter, and maybe, they'll introduce something vegetarian in the next couple of days...!
I like the paneer-cheese frankie better, though I've not had the Chicken-cheese one yet.
ReplyDeleteAnd what would you say about Chinese food becoming the symbol for the blurring of the high and low cultures?
The theory of post-modernism states that now there isn't any difference between high and low (also known as popular) culture. Decades ago, Chinese would've been considered the stronghold of high culture. But now, in India especially, after the introduction of road-side Chinese stalls, it is freely available everywhere and to everyone. Now Chinese is liked and eaten by all, no difference made at all.
you mean, cottage-cheese & cheese?! (sorry, wanted to crack that joke)
ReplyDeletewell, about the high & low culture debate, I think it's not being blurred the way we make it.
True, the high/low culture division continues to exist, but stratification is a social existence. I think, 'corruption' or as we anthropologists put it, diffusion of traits is bound to happen. The ones in the upper strata will continue to live their ways (or may adapt) and the lower ones will also do the same...it's a given in human society. It'll continue to exist.
Yes, but it is also about how the lower class people although knowing the differences that exist, tend to copy their lifestyles. Chinese food is a very good example here. Yes, what you say is true. People will continue living their ways. Lower class will go to the single screen and upper class will go to the multiplex. BUT if single screens are being demolished, where do the lower class go?
ReplyDeleteMy point exactly. I mean, look at the Chinese (or Chainese, Chiniese, Chianaaise joints...); for many, it's the best they had (some ARE!)
ReplyDeleteand about the multiplex scenario, sadly, even that is true.
Is there a solution? Yes, of course there is; but none that I know of.
and you know, we're both saying the same things...
Not exactly. The lower class culture, if we use the multiplex example is also best explained through the creation of hiphop/rap music. It was created as a diversion, as something for themselves. Something that the upper class would not relate to anyway. Although it is another fact altogether now that hiphop/rap is considered cool and the word most associated with it is 'bling'. What will happen if single screens go away? Piracy? That's the lower class culture? But even upper class people indulge in it too, right?
ReplyDeletethat's what called 'reactance'. look at counter cultures for that matter: hippies, punk, grunge, rock...it's basically asserting their individuality, their separation from the so-called 'civilized' world. They created a social sub-group of their own.
ReplyDeletePoint is, art, whichever form it may manifest itself in, is always aimed at expression of the individual (or a group).