| − | '''''Babbitt''''' is a novel written by [[Sinclair Lewis]]. It tells the story of George F. Babbitt, a [[Republican]] and [[Rotarian]] who has conformed to what his society expects of him. | + | '''''Babbitt''''' is a [[satire|satrical]] novel written by the novelist and liberal activist [[Sinclair Lewis]]. It tells the story of George F. Babbitt, a fictional [[Republican]] and [[Rotary|Rotarian]] who conforms to the expectations of his society. Sinclair condemns Babbitt for his meekness and civility, while at the same time arguing that society depends for its survival on men like Babbitt. |
| | + | The word "Babbitt" has since entered the [[English language]] as an [[epigraph]], or [[proper noun]], meaning "someone who conforms too readily to society's norms", and having perjurious connotations. Perhaps because of those connotations, it has also entered the [[street slang]] of [[drug abuse]]rs; one [[pot]] smoker may exclaim to another, "Hey, man, don't ''Babbitt'' that joint!" |