Peer pressure is a dangerous form of persuasion. People see the effects of peer pressure throughout their daily lives at school, work, television, etc... It's all around us, even if we don't feel it or realize it. George Orwell's essay entitled "Shooting an Elephant" is a perfect example of peer pressure. In this essay Orwell is convinced to shoot an elephant which he didn't want to shoot in the first place. Nevertheless, the power of peer pressure forced him to act out the will of others around him. This is an influential demonstration of how peer pressure can make a person neglect their own morals and consciousness just to please those around them.
             In the beginning of the essay, Orwell talks about how he and the Burmese have a shared hate for each other. This makes one wonder why he would go through such lengths to please people who despise him. It's obvious that he felt obligated to do what everyone expected him to do; shoot the elephant. When he set out to find the elephant he had no intention of shooting it. Later Orwell realizes that he is unable to make choices according to his own beliefs. Orwell said "I could feel their two thousand wills pressing me forward, irresistibly." Obviously he couldn't handle the thought of "looking a fool" and letting everyone down by not shooting the elephant. And thus is "an absurd puppet pushed to and fro by the will of those yellow faces behind." Peer pressure had made him forget about how he "ought not to shoot him" and perform the objectionable task of shooting the elephant.
             Orwell didn't have the willpower to stand up for what he thought was right. He even stated that he "was glad that the coolie had been killed" as it put him legally in the right position to shoot the elephant. Peer pressure had put him in the situation where he knew the result would be appreciated by everyo...