Preconceived Ideas

One of the defining moments in the most recent chapters of Emma was finally being introduced to Frank Churchill.  Something I find particularly interesting about this is the way in which most of the characters react to finally meeting him.  Almost all of the characters have preconceived ideas about him and seem to be unable to be swayed from these thoughts.  I feel as if preconceived ideas, of either people or things, tend to have this pattern.   
    To help explain my viewpoint, some background information from the novel is necessary.  Prior to meeting Frank Churchill, the only info the characters had about him was from letters he mailed to his father.  This means that they probably had a positive view of this man’s traits (who portrays themselves negatively?).  There is absolutely nothing wrong with this.  After he arrives, he is well received by the characters, and his actions and attitudes support the way he was perceived.  However, he then spends an entire day getting his hair cut.  Mr. Knightley sees this action as frivolous and unsupportive of Frank’s supposed character.  This is where the problem can be seen in preconceived notions.  The other characters, Emma included, dismiss Mr. Knightley’s view because he dislikes Frank Churchill.  Even though Mr. Knightley does dislike him, he brings valid arguments up and he is easily dismissed.  These attitudes displayed by the characters apply to people today as well.
    People are prone to believe their preconceived ideas even when being argued against.  Yet it is important to always think about opposing arguments.  In Emma, if the characters had merely said that Frank Churchill still has some poor qualities rather than see him as nearly perfect, they would not be surprised when he decided to go get his hair cut.  While this in no way excuses his poor behavior, it shows that the characters have a better understanding of the people around them.  This thought process can be applied to ideas as well.
    One major idea that people deemed as the greatest invention was the car after it was readily affordable.  Not only did it provide cheap, personal transportation, but it helped clear up a significant amount of pollution in cities due to horses.  However, not until recently did people start noticing that cars actually have some major drawbacks, pollution ironically being one of those.  While we are now making a self conscious effort to reduce the pollution caused by cars, it’s important to note that people initially thought cars were great and could see very little wrong with them.  This was obviously not the case, but people at the time may not have been properly able to identify this type of pollution.   
    The problems that arise from preconceived ideas don’t lie in the actual preconceptions.  Even if it is wrong, that does not make it an issue.  The true issue arises when people refuse to admit that their ideas might possibly wrong, whether partially or entirely.  To say that people should never from ideas before given facts is an idea that will not be followed.  Rather, the idea is for us not to stop questioning something until we know the whole truth about it.

Eric Carl