The Different Shapes and Sizes of Nonconformity Nonconformists come in various shapes and sizes. Henry David Thoreau, the author of both Walden and Civil Disobedience, is the textbook definition of nonconformity. However, nonconformity cannot be exemplified with a single definition. It can be exhibited in many different ways. Shia LaBeouf, a modern day actor, may not seem like a nonconformist at first glance, but if one takes a closer look it becomes clear that LaBeouf embodies numerous nonconformist ideas. A side by side comparison of LaBeouf’s and Thoreau’s ideas shows many similarities in their beliefs. However, not all of LaBeouf’s and Thoreau’s beliefs are the same. Society punishes both men for their nonconformity in comparable yet different
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Thoreau preaches peaceful protesting. He believes that violence is ineffective and just angers the government. In his opinion, the only way to get his ideas across to the government is to disobey societal norms and live life the way that he believes life is meant to be lived. Thoreau thinks that the government is too involved in the lives of citizens and believes that society values possessions too much so Thoreau leaves society and lives out in the wilderness (Thoreau 288). Thoreau does this so he can practice his own beliefs and live a more moral life. Shia LaBeouf carries out his beliefs in a very different way. Often, LaBeouf becomes violent when he does not agree with someone. In July 2015 Shia LaBeouf got physical with his girlfriend, Mia Goth, outside their hotel in Germany when she did not want him to leave (Brucculieri). Thoreau would not have acted in such a manner, he would have left in a calm and dignified way. Shia LaBeouf also still lives and works in society. Henry David Thoreau would not agree with this and would want LaBeouf to live in isolation so that LaBeouf could live his life how he wishes. Thoreau would also think that Shia LaBeouf works too much since Thoreau believed a man should only work six weeks a year and LaBeouf works a lot more than just a mere six weeks a year (Thoreau 480). Shia LaBeouf also …show more content…
Society does not favor those who try to go against it and have different beliefs than what is widely accepted. Both Henry David Thoreau and Shia LaBeouf receive punishment for being nonconformists. Both Thoreau and Shia have been arrested for breaking the law. Thoreau is arrested for tax evasion (Thoreau 443). Shia LaBeouf has been arrested for public intoxication as well as, assault with a deadly weapon (Marino). Even though both LaBeouf and Thoreau were arrested as a result of their nonconformity, LaBeouf faces even more severe punishments. Due to modern technology as well as LaBeouf’s life being in the public eye, Shia LaBeouf has to deal with bad press and social stigmas. Whenever LaBeouf does something that is not considered normal according to society, hundreds of journalists criticize him and his lifestyle. Also, because LaBeouf has a bad reputation from the media many people do not wish to be seen with him or work with him. Both Thoreau and LaBeouf are punished for their nonconformist behavior, but LaBeouf faces much harsher punishments as result of his
Thoreau preaches peaceful protesting. He believes that violence is ineffective and just angers the government. In his opinion, the only way to get his ideas across to the government is to disobey societal norms and live life the way that he believes life is meant to be lived. Thoreau thinks that the government is too involved in the lives of citizens and believes that society values possessions too much so Thoreau leaves society and lives out in the wilderness (Thoreau 288). Thoreau does this so he can practice his own beliefs and live a more moral life. Shia LaBeouf carries out his beliefs in a very different way. Often, LaBeouf becomes violent when he does not agree with someone. In July 2015 Shia LaBeouf got physical with his girlfriend, Mia Goth, outside their hotel in Germany when she did not want him to leave (Brucculieri). Thoreau would not have acted in such a manner, he would have left in a calm and dignified way. Shia LaBeouf also still lives and works in society. Henry David Thoreau would not agree with this and would want LaBeouf to live in isolation so that LaBeouf could live his life how he wishes. Thoreau would also think that Shia LaBeouf works too much since Thoreau believed a man should only work six weeks a year and LaBeouf works a lot more than just a mere six weeks a year (Thoreau 480). Shia LaBeouf also …show more content…
Society does not favor those who try to go against it and have different beliefs than what is widely accepted. Both Henry David Thoreau and Shia LaBeouf receive punishment for being nonconformists. Both Thoreau and Shia have been arrested for breaking the law. Thoreau is arrested for tax evasion (Thoreau 443). Shia LaBeouf has been arrested for public intoxication as well as, assault with a deadly weapon (Marino). Even though both LaBeouf and Thoreau were arrested as a result of their nonconformity, LaBeouf faces even more severe punishments. Due to modern technology as well as LaBeouf’s life being in the public eye, Shia LaBeouf has to deal with bad press and social stigmas. Whenever LaBeouf does something that is not considered normal according to society, hundreds of journalists criticize him and his lifestyle. Also, because LaBeouf has a bad reputation from the media many people do not wish to be seen with him or work with him. Both Thoreau and LaBeouf are punished for their nonconformist behavior, but LaBeouf faces much harsher punishments as result of his