In a world where courage should be reserved for those who dare to challenge the status quo, many of us find ourselves silently disagreeing with prevailing ideologies, political agendas, and government mandates. Yet, in public, we often conform, adhering to what is considered politically correct. We justify our hypocrisy by convincing ourselves that we are powerless to effect change in society, so we blend in with the crowd. This article explores why public conformity to private dissent can make us complicit in tyranny and reveals that each of us holds more power to influence society than we've been led to believe.
The Psychology of Conformity
In the 1950s, social psychologist Solomon Asch conducted an experiment that demonstrated the extent to which individuals would reject their own beliefs to conform to the majority. Test subjects were asked to choose which line on a second card matched a line on the first card. Before responding, they witnessed seven confederates (individuals in on the experiment) all state the same incorrect answer. Shockingly, the test subjects gave the same wrong answer as the group 37% of the time, even when it was evident that the majority's response was objectively incorrect.
Asch's experiment confirmed a long-standing philosophical notion: for most people, conforming to what others say and do, regardless of its factual accuracy, takes precedence over discovering the truth. This inclination to conform is deeply ingrained in our biology, as we often go along with the consensus in social situations without critically evaluating the information presented.
Manufactured Collusions of Consensus
Governments, corporations, and global institutions exploit our inclination to conform by manufacturing collusions of consensus. They wield mainstream and social media to create an illusion that the majority supports certain agendas, ideologies, and mandates. Manipulative tactics include slanted narratives, biased reports, emotional rhetoric, misleading fact checks, outright lies, and dubious opinion polls.
The Impact of Collective Illusions
Collective illusions emerge when a majority privately disagrees with a particular opinion but publicly conforms to it due to the mistaken belief that most others support it. This phenomenon is perilous, as it suppresses dissenting voices and reinforces conformity. When others observe us conforming, they assume we genuinely agree, further amplifying the illusion.
The Green Grocer's Allegory
The allegory of the green grocer from Vaclav Havel's book "The Power of the Powerless" illustrates how non-compliance can dismantle collective illusions. In Communist Czechoslovakia, a green grocer hung a government-endorsed sign in his window, even though he disbelieved the propaganda. However, when he stopped conforming and publicly expressed his true opinions, others followed suit. This seemingly small act initiated a ripple effect, leading to the eventual Velvet Revolution, a peaceful overthrow of the oppressive regime. The story of the green grocer highlights the power of individual actions in challenging collective illusions. By refusing to cooperate with the system and revealing the truth, he inspired others to do the same. As social beings, our actions and words influence those around us. Even minor displays of non-conformity can trigger a ripple effect that transforms society.
Sowing Seeds of Doubt
For those who face economic, social, or physical repercussions for expressing their true beliefs, sowing seeds of doubt in the minds of others can be a subtle but effective strategy. Expressing ambivalence or presenting alternative viewpoints can crack open the door for others to question prevailing narratives.
Conformity is a powerful force in society, often leading individuals to publicly comply with beliefs they privately reject. However, history shows that the courage to break free from this conformity can ignite change and dismantle collective illusions. By taking small steps towards living within the truth and encouraging others to do the same, we can challenge oppressive systems and shape a more authentic society where individual voices matter.