I heard a question regarding the ways in which conformity is harmful, and it really got me to thinking. What is conformity, really? How does it serve as a negative influence? Well, this is the conclusion I drew on the negative side of the argument, but it would be interesting to argue the positives as well.
Should an individual intentionally
agree to conform to another, they will both rescind their claim to the title of
“individual” in the process. For there is no individuality among the identical
masses, and there is no uniqueness to be found when each entity is striving to
emulate the next. There is a certain appeal to this way of thinking, however;
it is simpler and therefore understandable as to why one would willingly choose
such a mundane existence. Having one’s ideals and mannerisms predetermined by
fellow consumers eliminates the need to think for oneself. This simplicity,
however, is a double-edged sword. Although this way of thinking is plain and
straightforward, it cannot be called a
way of thinking in the least. Conformity is a soft, lulling ideal which, in
reality, only swallows one’s own creativity and the ability to choose for one’s
self. Like a slow acting poison, it is
easy to deteriorate former aspects of originality over time and instead adapt
to what is acceptably perceived in society without truly noticing any drastic
change. One’s own individuality is a precious thing, yet through the media as
well as from pressure in society it is increasingly becoming viewed as
undesirable, and, in some cases, even discouraged. Because of this, creativity
is quashed, and the energy of those repressing their true intent diminishes,
resulting in the former individual becoming docile; just another lemming. Whether
it be the latest fashion trend or a business meeting in the workplace, one
tends to find themselves more comfortable assimilating the same mannerisms,
ideals, and appearances they observe rather than create their own original
thought. An individual in a group of people will tend to pass up making a
correction or speaking up when they disagree with a subject; ironically, the
rest of the group may share the same contrasting opinion, but it will never be
brought up due to the far too common fear of being singled out. It is much more
acceptable in this day to remain quiet and “just go with it” rather than “make
waves”. Countless creative and innovative ideas slip through the cracks every
day due to this concept of “conformity” and all of the hindrances that
accompany it. Instead of bringing new and original thought into the open, one
is almost dissuaded to share innovative concepts, and, instead, the same,
monotonous processes are rehashed and repeated. No improvements to a flawed
system can be made without an individual to take the first step in the right
direction. Without individualism paving the way towards progress, society is
sentenced to live in the shadow of greatness and instead succumb to mediocrity.
