The Green caldron - University Library

14
The Green Caldron
generously. Unfortunately these maxims are not so easily applied as superficial
examination would indicate.
The major disadvantages inherent in these three precepts do not become
apparent until the adolescent attempts to reconcile them with real circumstance.
At the point of actual application the inflexibility of these guides to social ac-
ceptability makes them at the very least impractical, and often so inappropriate
as to precipitate unbearable strain upon the individual. For example, in en-
deavoring to be pleasant and courteous at all times the adolescent may be com-
pelled to suppress completely his personal emotions and instincts. Deliberate
exclusion of normal emotions and instinctive reactions deprives him of spon-
taneity, and his personality becomes simply a well-adjusted machine which
efficiently issues pleasant comments, proper responses, and conformist behavior
as the occasion demands.
In the same manner the impetuous teenager often expands his genuine in-
terest in others to an unwholesome extent. Genuine interest in others is time-
consuming and leaves little opportunity for him to know himself. Generously
scattering his interests about, he extends his horizons to include diverse groups
composed of innumerable members. He becomes so immersed in the quantity
of individuals contacted that he exhibits small regard for the quality of the
personalities he is embracing, devoting himself to singularly detrimental rela-
tionships. His personal interests, essential to the natural development of his
personality, are subordinated to the demands of the masses. Public opinion, as
represented by the concepts of the vast numbers of persons in whom he is
"interested," is the basic force which molds his character.
The third commandment is no less destructive to the individual than stoic
courtesy or perennial gregariousness. Although distributing compliments may
be merely a social skill to be developed by persistent practice, every adolescent
will encounter persons in whom there is nothing he can sincerely compliment.
There are two obvious solutions to this relatively frequent dilemma. He may
either refrain from audible praise entirely or give voice to insincerity. The
average teenager, anxious to subscribe to the socially approved doctrine, em-
ploys the latter hypocrisy in order to present a "pleasing personality." Unfortunately,
the personality evolved, although pleasant because it compliments human
vanity, is often somewhat shallow.
Thus the individual emerges from the protective custody of childhood.
Modern society, which demands conformity from its members, appoints the
cult of the "pleasing personality" as disciplinarian. This sect, in turn, dictates
an established pattern of social development. The insecure adolescent, ac-
customed to accepting authority without question, builds his personality on
these foundations. The edifice erected may soon be condemned for its inflexible,
artificial appearance, but its foundations remain firmly entrenched in the social
terrain.