Conformity vs Individuality: Losing Our Selves! “Sticks and Stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” We have all heard this untruth before; unfortunately, it is our own traumatic experiences that have taught us just how much damage words can actually do. It seems that anyone who is different, anyone who stands out from the crowd has a bright red sign painted on their back that says, “kick me.” Why does it seem like conformity holds so much more value in our society over individuality? The standard definition of conformity is “compliance with social norms.” Interestingly, a synonym for compliance is obedience. Dogs are obedient, at least good dogs are. I am not sure that obedience is what we should value most in our society.
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However, not many of us can live up to that expectation. In fact, most of us give over our individuality, our uniqueness, to be part of a group in order to fit in—not Leopard Man though! Leopard Man is described by Logan Feys in his article, “The Sociology of Leopard Man” as “no ordinary freak.” Leopard Man is covered from head to toe in leopard spots, and he lives alone in the wilderness; nevertheless, he is happy. Feys argues that Leopard Man’s lifestyle has freed him from the social pressures of society (par. 7). I agree with Feys that all of us from time to time should try out non conformity, because as a member of our society, I have seen how nonconformists have helped change and shape our society for the …show more content…
6). Some people, however, are more optimistic about our ability to be ourselves in the face of such overwhelming odds. The young author of the article, “Individuality vs. Conformity: A Healthy Middle?” asserts that although it is difficult, we should at least try to find that “delicate balance between complete individuality and complete uniformity” (par. 7). Although I agree with this article up until a point, I think the young author overlooks the difficult journey a person must make to stand out at all in our society today. Feys would agree with me. In “The Sociology of Leopard Man,” he reminds us that, “One can enjoy the benefits modern society offers without becoming dependant on society, but it takes a strong will” (par. 9). How many of us have that “strong will” Feys describes? Apparently not many of us, and science has proven
However, not many of us can live up to that expectation. In fact, most of us give over our individuality, our uniqueness, to be part of a group in order to fit in—not Leopard Man though! Leopard Man is described by Logan Feys in his article, “The Sociology of Leopard Man” as “no ordinary freak.” Leopard Man is covered from head to toe in leopard spots, and he lives alone in the wilderness; nevertheless, he is happy. Feys argues that Leopard Man’s lifestyle has freed him from the social pressures of society (par. 7). I agree with Feys that all of us from time to time should try out non conformity, because as a member of our society, I have seen how nonconformists have helped change and shape our society for the …show more content…
6). Some people, however, are more optimistic about our ability to be ourselves in the face of such overwhelming odds. The young author of the article, “Individuality vs. Conformity: A Healthy Middle?” asserts that although it is difficult, we should at least try to find that “delicate balance between complete individuality and complete uniformity” (par. 7). Although I agree with this article up until a point, I think the young author overlooks the difficult journey a person must make to stand out at all in our society today. Feys would agree with me. In “The Sociology of Leopard Man,” he reminds us that, “One can enjoy the benefits modern society offers without becoming dependant on society, but it takes a strong will” (par. 9). How many of us have that “strong will” Feys describes? Apparently not many of us, and science has proven