Conformity
Introduction
Conformity is something that most of us have experienced at some point in our life. When we are young we are told how to act, dress, and eat. We are taught that if you are different from the crowd then it is wrong. We are told that if you don't fit in then you will be teased, bullied and possibly even beaten up.
While this advice may seem obvious now, many of us still struggle with conformity even as adults. We have been conditioned by society to believe that being different isn't good enough. Conformity is not the opposite of personal expression. It's an act of submission to the opinions of others.
Understanding what conformity is, why it exists and why it's harmful is critical to braking free from wrong societal norms. Conformity has always been with us, and it's always been a bad thing.
Break Free
We live in a world where everyone wants to be like someone famous or have their name on something popular. The desire for popularity is so strong that people will do anything to become famous and gain recognition from others around them. Some people even get so caught up in trying to fit in with everyone else around them that they will destroy themselves just to make sure they don't stand out as an individual.
Conformity is not only bad for society but also for our personal lives too! Conformity can cause stress and anxiety when we feel like we don't fit in with others around us which causes us to believe that we aren't good enough or worthy of happiness or success in life.
Conformity is a form of social influence that occurs when people accept the behaviour and beliefs of others in the presence of social pressure.
Conformity can often be subconscious or unintentional, but it is also induced by explicit communication from others. Conformity is particularly strong among groups, where individuals are more likely to conform to what they feel are the norms of their group.
Conclusion
The true cost of conforming to the norm is not just having to abide by societal rules and standards, but also missing out on pursuing the life you want to live. It's easier to fit in with everyone else, to be what others expect you to be – but in doing so, you miss out on becoming the person you were meant to be. The saying 'be yourself' really rings true in this regard as well. You were not put on this earth just to fit in with everything else that's already here. You have your own ideas, your own dreams and aspirations for your life. Allowing outsiders to shape and control the core of who you are takes away the opportunity for personal growth. Instead of conforming to those things that are expected from you, choose instead to create a positive future for yourself. So go ahead – break the mold and be who you want to be!
