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Topic: Peer Pressure (07/05/04)
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TITLE: A Perspective on Peer Pressure By denise lake 07/11/04 |
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I began my investigation into the above by defining the term using a Random House Dictionary. The archaic use of peer applied to a companion (implying a cordial relationship), and in the U.K. and Ireland peer is attributed to the five degrees of nobility. Here in America where we are, when in legal straits, tried by a jury of our peers, the term means “a person of the same rank; equal to another in abilities, qualifications, etc.” Now “pressure” seems to be somewhat more subjective and situational. Of 12 definitions, only four are ascribed to the physics of pressure, i.e. “the exertion of force upon a surface by an object, fluid, etc., in contact with it.” This kind of pressure is hopeful, as it is what transforms coal into diamonds. But, pressure also can refer to harassment or oppression, and may entail trouble or embarrassment (the kind that seems to find me!). The pressure we seem to experience, as a society is that of ”urgency, as of affairs or business.” It is the last definition, in all its subtlety and open cunning, that is perhaps the most relevant in part because we aren’t readily aware of it and also because of the power it wields: “to make deliberate use of public opinion, personal ties, or the like, to create psychological pressure or influence.”
Our local news health reporter who used her segment to promote the use of hormone replacement therapy recently illustrated one example of this latter meaning. When a recent study proved how harmful this therapy is, the reporter did not recant, nor admit to promoting a harmful behaviour, nor even remark upon any contradiction to previous reports. We all hear reports of studies on how much fat to eat, how safe the Atkins diet is, whether decaf or regular coffee is safer, what candidate to vote for, what the latest polls say, ad nauseam. We listen, and rush to do what “they” tell us. We seem, more and more, to be a “peer Pressure” society.
Another example of this last definition might be related to the current, prolific, use of the “separation of Church and State.” Were someone to ask you why you believe this separation is Constitutional, would you respond with a reiteration of all you have heard others say about it, or would you go to the source documents, searching out the foundation of your belief, reflect upon your findings in context, and state your own view?
If you are presented with a conclusion based upon conflicting data and asked to accede, is it easier to be pressured into agreement or confront the inaccurate conclusion? Is it, in general, just easier to “go with the flow” (re: submit to the pressure) than to recognize some party is constraining you to stop thinking for yourself and then to correct that?
What a timely topic upon which to wax eloquent! I have not asked these questions because I have all the answers. Indeed, I ask them because the topic provoked me to ask them of myself. It is, however, a good time (in an election year, at war, with a sour economy, looming globalism, terrorist threats, and a plethora of 24/7 information) to look at what “peer pressure” means, how it applies to each of us, and what may be our part to affect change to our blind submission to it.
First was to define the terms of the battle. Writing this article has helped me, and I hope some of you, to more substantially frame the terms of the battle. Second is to evaluate what “peers” I’m allowing to pressure, constrain and influence me. Third will be to determine who is utilizing that wondrous form of pressure that makes diamonds of coal and who uses psychological pressure to manipulate.
Precisely because we are so busy, we need more than ever to be vigilant about knowing why we believe what we believe, and not allowing other “peers” pressure us into their beliefs.
I used to be puzzled that Jesus said “be careful what you hear” followed a few verses later by “be careful how you hear.” Because I’ve been given reason to ponder “peer pressure” it makes a bit more sense! So, be careful what you hear, and be careful how you hear, dear readers!