I've noticed a trend in society, especially in the younger generations lately. It's the idea that sometimes in order to fit in you have to conform and sacrifice personal morals for spur of the moment choices. The idea that giving up part of who you are to gain the likes of others seems well, frankly insane. I know this topic can be a complicated issue to discuss because there is so much wrapped up in it and there is not one perfect answer. Why is it that conformity seems like it has become the way to "acceptance"?
I can't understand it. Do the "friends" at a weekend party encouraging you to chug a beer, at age 17, deserve your friendship? What about the ones in the alley trying to get you to experiment with a pill? I mean really what creates that need to give up something you believe for someone that might like you for the next few days or so? Well, I believe there is one obvious answer to that question.
Conformity no matter what it may require us to give up or lose feels worth it because we as humans have a desire to fit into those around us. Solomon Asch proved this through his experiment in 1951 in which he had 50 men participate in a conformity experiment. He laid two cards out on one a single line and the other with three lines of varying length. Then he had a set group of men purposely say the wrong answer to which line matched the single one while an unknowing participant listened. Then he asked the participant which line matched and they found 75 percent of the time they conformed to the majority and said the wrong answer. 75 percent! Think about that, conforming over which line matches that's so simple. So think of all the complicated and tough things we compromise for. Maybe that is why its so easy to do. It's the psychology in our minds that tells us we need to be in the norm.
However, is science correct? Is it all just human evolution? Well not entirely, I think the other biggest influence on why we conform is because culture's voice shoving down our throats the idea that we should be like everyone else. Think about it, we try to dress like our idols, we wear Nike, Under Armor, Adidas, girls with their Vera Bradley's, and every fashion style in between. It is all because we want to be like everyone else we don't want to be left out. The idea of being different and being seen as someone who isn't following the crowd tends to bring attention that is often unwanted. That attention then creates a position where we have to take a stand for what we believe in and that is the defining moment.
There is nothing wrong with enjoying what others enjoy or following present trends. However, if you're conforming for acceptance then maybe it's time to rethink why you're giving into the norm of whatever the situation may be. To break this negative problem I want to pose a challenge, when you are put in a situation where it's your beliefs and morals against something your peers are wanting you to do, go against the grain. Don't conform the world and the negative influences! Stand up, be someone with a voice, stand out and fight for a new normal where we conquer conformity and cause courage.
Let's stop compromising ourselves and break the status quo and do something that stands out. Make your own style, like what you want don't let the cultural voice of society define you. Find that acceptance in your true friends who will always be there and love you for being you.
