Social Conformity and Its Effects on Fate: The Other Wes Moore

Introduction

Conformity, a powerful social force, molds an individual's actions and beliefs in response to the desire for acceptance or belonging within a group. This phenomenon is vividly depicted in Wes Moore's narrative, "The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates," which unfolds the contrasting life trajectories of two young men, both bearing the name Wes Moore, hailing from the same neighborhood. Despite their shared experiences of growing up without fathers, social conformity significantly influences their choices and outcomes, propelling one towards incarceration and the other to the role of a platoon sergeant. Concurrently, the article titled "Family Correlates of Social Skill Deficits in Incarcerated and Non-Incarcerated Adolescents," authored by M. Eileen Matlack and M.S. Mac McGreevy, offers profound insights into the impact of family structure and home environments on incarcerated and non-incarcerated adolescents.

Exploring the Power of Social Conformity

The article by Matlack and McGreevy reveals, "Kellam found that children just entering the third grade and coming from mother-only families were the most maladaptively aggressive, as noted by teachers; Children in the mother/father families experienced fewer behavior problems." In the case of Wes Moore, the absence of his alcoholic father left a significant void in his life. This absence led Wes to look up to his brother Tony, who was immersed in the drug trade. Despite Tony's involvement in illicit activities, he made earnest attempts to guide young Wes toward academic pursuits and away from trouble. However, the omnipresent influence of social conformity led Wes down a different path, ultimately resulting in his own involvement in drug dealing and subsequent incarceration. It becomes evident that the concept of social conformity extends its reach beyond Wes alone, influencing Tony's choices and behaviors as well. As "The Social Animal" by Elliot Aronson posits,

"Because all human beings spend a good deal of our time interacting with other people – being influenced by them, influencing them, being delighted, amused, saddened by them – it is natural that we develop hypotheses about social behavior."

In Tony's case, his association with the dangerous Murphy homes neighborhood exposed him to the pervasive drug trade, gradually drawing him into this perilous world.

In contrast, Wes Moore's life takes a different turn after the age of three when he loses his father. Raised by his mother, who struggled to single-handedly care for her three children while grappling with her husband's loss, Wes's journey leads him to Riverdale Country School, a private institution primarily attended by white students. Wes's public school friends mock his attendance at a private school, prompting him to downplay his academic affiliation in an attempt to fit in. This quest for peer acceptance is vividly illustrated when Wes, asked about his experiences at the predominantly white Riverdale school, responds in a manner designed to align himself with his public school peers. As the book articulates,

"In the hood, your school affiliation was essential. Even if you weren’t running with the coolest clique, you still got your percentage of your rep from your school, and the name Riverdale wasn’t going to impress anyone."

Wes feels embarrassed about attending Riverdale, believing it to be stigmatized by his public school peers. To secure acceptance and approval from his peers, he resorts to exaggerating a story about his suspension at Riverdale. He transforms a harmless incident of playfully wrestling with a classmate into a sensationalized narrative. Wes believes that amplifying his story will enhance his standing among his peers, thus highlighting the potent impact of social conformity on individual behavior and decision-making.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the influence of social conformity is a powerful force that shapes individuals' actions and choices, often with profound consequences. The narratives presented in Wes Moore's "The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates" and the research findings discussed in the article "Family Correlates of Social Skill Deficits in Incarcerated and Non-Incarcerated Adolescents" by Matlack and McGreevy exemplify how family structures, peer pressures, and societal expectations can lead individuals down divergent paths.

In both cases, the allure of conformity, whether within peer groups or societal expectations, exerts a powerful influence on individuals' decisions and actions. It is a force that can either steer individuals towards positive, constructive paths or lead them astray into negative, detrimental ones.

Recognizing the potency of social conformity prompts us to reflect on the importance of fostering environments that encourage positive influences and support systems. The stories of the two Wes Moores and the research findings emphasize the need to nurture resilience in young individuals, equipping them with the ability to resist negative peer pressures and societal norms that may lead them down destructive paths.

Works Cited

1. Moore, W. (2011). The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates. Spiegel & Grau.
2. Matlack, M. E., & McGreevy, M. S. (2003). Family correlates of social skill deficits in incarcerated and non-incarcerated adolescents. Adolescence, 38(151), 443-459.
3. Aronson, E. (2018). The Social Animal. Worth Publishers.
4. Kellam, S. G. (1980). Social and family correlates of behavior problems in school-aged children. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 48(2), 203-220.
5. Moore, W. (2010). The Other Wes Moore. TED Talk. https://www.ted.com/talks/wes_moore_how_to_talk_to_veterans_about_the_war
6. Aronson, E., & Patnoe, S. (2011). The Jigsaw Classroom: Building cooperation in the classroom (3rd ed.). Longman.
7. McGreevy, M. S., & O'Boyle, M. (2006). Adolescents’ perceptions of family, peer, and societal variables. Adolescence, 41(164), 37-51.