Some animals and some fish gather together in groups and the group takes on a life of its own. They all go the same direction, they all turn at the same time, they all speed up or slow down at the same time, and they all seem to think alike. Yes, we see that in fish and animals all the time and, I am sorry to say, we see it in people all the time, too. It can be seen in mobs, rock concert attendees, the fashions people wear, the hairstyles, etc. I could go on and on but you get the point.
Why is it that someone who thinks for himself or herself is considered a rogue? I always thought that I did my things my way and didn't conform to what others did. I will always remember way back when I was a kid and was sitting on the old store's porch steps in a very small town where my Grandparents lived listening to two residents of the town. One was a a young college graduate who thought he knew everything and the other was the old town bum (and drunk, when he could find, steel, or afford a bottle). The young guy said that he was a non-conformist and wouldn't go along with multitudes. He kept going on and on about how independent he was and that he was his own man. The old drunk just said one thing to him that shut him up instantly. He said "so why don't you wear your pants backwards?" Whether we like it or not or think we are special, in most ways we are just another member of the herd or just another anchovy in the school. We may all be different in some ways but we are all the same in other ways.
I hope I didn't burst your bubble. You just may not be as special or unique as you think. But to me, all of you are very, very special and unique, so I sure hope all of you have a nice day.
The forces of conformity were strong when we were kids, but they're out of control now that a kid can be driven to suicide just by what some fool puts on the so-called social media. I think there might have been a couple mornings I put my pants on backwards, but after a few cups of coffee, I finally figured it out.
ReplyDeleteSocial pressure can be harsh. There's an old Japanese saying: the nail that sticks out gets pounded down."
ReplyDeleteGuess I was a bit of a rogue... went to 6 different schools in 6 years... we lived in the same house, but because I wouldn't/couldn't conform to "standards" my mom would put be in a different school each year. Was I different? Probably not... just did what peers might have been thinking of doing. When I had kids of my own I told them they could do whatever they wanted to but they were responsible and they would pay the price. A lot of the time it's a heck of a lot less hassle just to conform and save your times to rebel for the important things.
ReplyDeleteJimkabob, I have done the same thing, especially with pull over shirts. Makes it hard to reach what is in the shirt pockets when you have it on backwards. Maybe that is why I have a stiff neck this morning.
ReplyDeleteSixbears, that was meant to keep the people in line, right? It takes a rough and rugged nail to be able to stick up above others. You are one of them.
The Odd Essay, I guess that there has always been a little "rebel" in me. I feel I am different, but of course in a good way (grin).
Guess we all have felt a bit rebellious from time to time! Lord knows, I feel that way every day!
ReplyDeleteBiggest problem for me is making sure my shirts are right side out. Pockets don't work too well on the inside!
When I was 14, I decided I was NOT going to let what people said interfere with me, and from then on, I did things my way too. Not bad stuff, just different. Heck, I cut my hair in a flat top with ducktails,,,,lol. Worked with mine, but not with the others that tried it.
ReplyDeleteH.J. we are all individuals and should not all act the same.
ReplyDeleteTrouble, it is best to always be yourself.
I've been a rebel all my life, but I still like to be accepted and liked by others, although I accept that there are those who don't like me. Most of us need approval to some degree, or we become anti-social. That's fine, but the majority of people have to live and work around others, and loneliness is not good for a soul.
ReplyDelete