Theme Of Uniqueness

Difference, identity, individuality, and nonconformity are all words that relate to uniqueness. Throughout the readings of LeGuin, Morrison, Plato, Spiegelman, Hughes, and more, there is a common trend relating to uniqueness. Each of these readings ties into being unique through differences, nonconforming ideas, or something thereof. They also shed light onto what Aristotle talks about, happiness. Martin Luther King Jr., Spiegelman, and Johnson connect through the theme of difference. At an early stage, it is hard to deal with differences because all you want to do is fit in. Johnson’s, Melvin in the Sixth Grade, shows that trying to fit in with the majority can ruin your relationships with the ones you already relate and fit in with. Differences …show more content…
Some people just do not confirm to the standards that society has setup to define what makes someone normal. Not conforming, is being unique. Langston Hughes, LeGuin, and Plato all write about this theme. In only a short number of lines, Hughes describes how he didn’t conform. He stepped out of his comfort zone and attended an all white university, where he felt it was clear that his difference of being black stood out. Hughes, in a way, states that we all have something to learn for each other’s differences and perspectives if you open your mind to it. This is something Plato also talks about in the Allegory of the Cave. That is to step out of the cave or comfort zone to discover a new perspective on your life and other’s lives or change the way you view things for the better. This is also shown in The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas, where people saw the harsh treatment of the boy for their happiness as unjust and therefore they walked out of Omelas. These people were seen as those who did not conform to their society in …show more content…
The differences then lead to people either changing themselves to fit in or not conforming to the norm. In the end, however, people need to accept themselves for their uniqueness. Differences are part of our self and identity, which is what makes us unique. In order to better understand the lives of people different from you, you need to accept yourself. In her speech of acceptance, Morrison explains how we can learn from each other. Using the example of the old blind woman, she showed that no matter the difference in age or abilities there is something to learn from everyone. Not only does one have to be accepting of other people’s differences, but also your own. Essentially, how could you be open to other people’s differences if you aren’t accepting of your