Conformity is meeting the standards of society or what people would call “normal” or “acceptable”. Conforming to such “standards” doesn’t come from society as a whole. This can be watered down to family, friends, and what-not.
Then there is the basic human need to belong. And to belong to a certain group usually means that you have to meet their standards and be a bit like them. You have to do what they expect you to do. If you won’t, prepare for conflicts and feeling left out.
The questions here are: do we really have to conform to their standards? Do we have to do whatever it is that they want us to do in order to be accepted? Are they usually correct?
When we talk about conformity in this century, I believe that there is no such thing. We are diverse and every individual is unique and different which is what makes this world interesting and it’s the fuel that keeps this world going.
What irks me about this whole conforming thing or what is also known as “let’s-go-with-the-flow-in-order-to-avoid-conflict” thing, is that you have to be molded in a different “dough shaper”, something that is not meant for you, just to belong with the other “cookies”. When in fact, there’s another dough shaper that is so perfect for you and if you go for who you really are, you can be the best that you can be. That means, no more mediocre cookies (I’m referring to people) in this world!
Bottomline is, just be yourself. Don’t care about what other people think. If they are real people (or real friends), they’ll understand you and support you. If they’re not, then this is a challenge. Face it head on. It will improve you in the long run. And the blabbermouths? Well, they’ll wear out. Besides, you’re not doing this for them. You’re working hard and it’s all for God, right?
P.S. You know who you are. =)
