A clich\u00e9 used in a formal essay will likely be cordoned with red ink.\u00a0 The English professor wants original content, rather than what everyone already says.<\/p>\n
In everyday life, however, uttering a clich\u00e9 is safe, while giving an original idea is risky.\u00a0 Generally, people who follow everyone else are much more popular than those who offer their own ideas.<\/p>\n
The use of clich\u00e9s is a quintessential example of the conflict between academic vs “everyday” thinking.\u00a0 The “everyday” person argues that, in a job, saying clich\u00e9s is fine.\u00a0 In fact, original thinking may not even be welcome in the workplace.\u00a0 Typically, the boss wants things done one way – their way; the employees are expected to be predictable and compliant.<\/p>\n
The academic argues that, to get a good job, a person likely must pass a college English course.\u00a0 It’s “academic”, what the boss wants, if one doesn’t have the prerequisite to qualify for the job.\u00a0 Therefore, refraining from the use of clich\u00e9s, in the prerequisite context, might help pave the way towards eventually getting that job.<\/p>\n
Underlying the conflict about using clich\u00e9s is the difference in values held by academics vs everyday people.\u00a0 Specifically, academics value independent thought, while everyday people value conformity.<\/p>\n
Clich\u00e9s are fundamental to everyday communication.\u00a0 I’m planning more posts that focus on their use.<\/p>\n