The Weight of Public Conformity
Public attention and the fear of ridicule significantly limit individual impulses, forcing a person to conform to established norms and behavior patterns. The fear of condemnation makes everyone doubt their actions, as any attempt to express one’s individuality might result in widespread censure. Thus, social pressure acts not only as a punishment mechanism but also as an internal restraining factor, making a person fear public humiliation and contempt.For example, as noted in the quote from document link txt (page: 46): "No one who violates customs and goes against societal views will escape punishment in the form of universal censure and hostility... no one can live in a society under the weight of constant disfavor and the negative opinions of their close ones and those with whom they interact. This burden is too heavy for human endurance." This idea emphasizes that the constant fear of public disapproval forces people to adhere to societal norms, leaving little room for spontaneous individual impulses.Also significant is the following conclusion found in the same source ( link txt, page: 46): "Man is especially 'vulnerable when laughed at, or despised, and that too in full view of all.'" This quote clearly shows that public ridicule intensifies a person’s sense of vulnerability and defenselessness, further limiting their freedom of action and self-expression.Thus, the fear of mockery and public contempt serves as a powerful tool of social control, not only punishing deviations from the norm but also undermining a person’s inner confidence, thereby suppressing their desire for creative or individual experimentation.Supporting citation(s):"No one who violates customs and goes against societal views will escape punishment in the form of universal censure and hostility... no one can live in a society under the weight of constant disfavor and the negative opinions of their close ones and those with whom they interact. This burden is too heavy for human endurance." (source: link txt, page: 46)"Man is especially 'vulnerable when laughed at, or despised, and that too in full view of all.'" (source: link txt, page: 46)