Why do people conform to societal norms?

[Three]

(I am unashamedly following you around the forum now because you are so funny!)

The only thing I scoff at life about is my not have the same capacity for love of my fellow man when I've been drinking as I do in my everyday life. Pretty ******* selfish, huh?

[+ouija ouija]

The only thing I scoff at life about is my not have the same capacity for love of my fellow man when I've been drinking as I do in my everyday life. Pretty ******* selfish, huh?

Not selfish so much as maybe needing a break once in a while from the strain of 'loving your fellow man' ...... who often isn't very lovable.

[Three]

Not selfish so much as maybe needing a break once in a while from the strain of 'loving your fellow man' ...... who often isn't very lovable.

Ouija² , I love you despite your dirty hippie, liberal bleeding-heart repugnance towards us conservatives; you know, real Americans, regardless of what anyone says behind your back. Lol, still with me here, or do I own you an apology?

[+ouija ouija]

Ouija² , I love you despite your dirty hippie, liberal bleeding-heart repugnance towards us conservatives; you know, real Americans, regardless of what anyone says behind your back. Lol, still with me here, or do I own you an apology?

Hmm, I might have to hit the gin in a minute to make some sense of this ...... but no apology needed(as far as I can make out!).

Where did the 'dirty hippie, liberal bleeding-heart repugnance' bit come from?

[Three]

Well, maybe I'm wrong but I think I remember reading your posts concerning PETA. Sorry bout that, lately I can't seem to remember who or what the heck I've been reading about.

Right then, tell me a secret about yourself and I'll tell you one about me. Pfft..forum etiquette, right?

[+ouija ouija]

Well, maybe I'm wrong but I think I remember reading your posts concerning PETA. Sorry bout that, lately I can't seem to remember who or what the heck I've been reading about.

Right then, tell me a secret about yourself and I'll tell you one about me. Pfft..forum etiquette, right?

You're right, I have supported PETA here.

A secret about myself? Let's see now ...... the whole point about real secrets is you don't tell them to anybody! How about you go first because you're obviously feeling less inhibited than me at the moment ?

[Three]

That's okay, I understand.

edit: Oops, I didn't think you were going to post.

A secret about me, eh? Okay:

• In Texas we have these giant grasshoppers with tiny little spikes on their legs that will kick you if you pick em up. Also, they spit this tobacco like substance out all over your hands, and it smells kinda funny; they creep me out, is what I'm going for here.
  

* Bonus:

• When I'm out and about in the fieldd picking mushrooms, I don't like the way the cows look at me while doing it. It's like they know, right?
  

That's 2 secrets about me friend, you can atleast give me one.

Edited December 3, 2012 by Three

[+ouija ouija]

Ouija² , I love you despite your dirty hippie, liberal bleeding-heart repugnance towards us conservatives; you know, real Americans, regardless of what anyone says behind your back. Lol, still with me here, or do I own you an apology?

Also, I don't understand this:'regardless of what anyone says behind your back'.

[Bling]

Ouija you have more tolerance than me!

[+ouija ouija]

Ouija you have more tolerance than me!

No tolerance required ...... I bet he's a real sweetie when he hasn't been drinking!

[Three]

Didn't realize I was being offencive. Okay then, later gang.

[JGirl]

Didn't realize I was being offencive. Okay then, later gang.

you weren't being offensive, but you were derailing the thread (is that an example of nonconfromist behavior?? lol)

[ReaperS_ParadoX]

Im kind of in the same boat as you, I think people usually follow the crowd to fit in and somethings arent worth fitting in with, In my opinion a persons uniqeness shows what kind of person you are. For instance I dont have a facebook account like everyone else seems to, For instance my brother is really into sports and so are my parents and I couldnt care less about sports. Stay you AB

[Render]

Kind of ironic that you're pretending to dislike conformity, but at the same time are preaching for the world to conform to your ways.

Lets see the differences of the world where ppl don't have solidarity with each other (which you obviously mistake for conformity half of your lil debate), or don't conform or completely lack empathy because they are so consumed by their own petty ways:

Your world: Nobody talks to each others, everyone is passively agressive but pretends to have no emotions. If you have children you are not allowed to express your love for them because that would be conformity. Don't except any respect either from them, that's classified as conformity. College and school in general is non-existent because learning the same things is conformity. If you're wearing the same shoes as somebody else or dress in a location or event appropriate way you better buy some hoochy pimp clothes because you are being submitted to conformity. Got a job? Better resign right away otherwhise you're conforming to social standards of having a job and creating a life of your own. Etc...

The more reasonable and logical world: Having emotions is not disgraceful, and learning how to deal with them is an admirable asset.

Something the OP obviously lacks...you're a vessel of frustration and small mindedness. Only your way is the correct way in your mind, and you'll do everything to be special to hide your passive agressive nature to the world.

Edited December 3, 2012 by Render

[FlyingAngel]

Im kind of in the same boat as you, I think people usually follow the crowd to fit in and somethings arent worth fitting in with, In my opinion a persons uniqeness shows what kind of person you are. For instance I dont have a facebook account like everyone else seems to, For instance my brother is really into sports and so are my parents and I couldnt care less about sports. Stay you AB

You can have a different perspective of life, but it becomes wrong when you ignore other people's feeling and act like "I do what I want", "I eat my meal first, it's pointless to wait dad"

[King Fluffs]

People always have, and always will want to fit in.

Sadly, those who dress as they wish and do the extraordinary are often shunned by the "normal" people in society.

[Lilly]

Please do not use the forums to preach your religious beliefs.

Refer to UM rules here:

• 2j. Preaching: Do not use the site to promote or 'preach' your own religious beliefs to other members.
  

[starchild1976]

It is only in your head that individuals can't be socially accepted. That is why you may feel alienated. You just have to be willing to meet people who aren't petty. It may be your family circle which has gotten you trapped into this cycle of attracting loosers like your brother who have no true self identity.

[hellig heilige]

Kind of ironic that you're pretending to dislike conformity, but at the same time are preaching for the world to conform to your ways.

Lets see the differences of the world where ppl don't have solidarity with each other (which you obviously mistake for conformity half of your lil debate), or don't conform or completely lack empathy because they are so consumed by their own petty ways:

Your world: Nobody talks to each others, everyone is passively agressive but pretends to have no emotions. If you have children you are not allowed to express your love for them because that would be conformity. Don't except any respect either from them, that's classified as conformity. College and school in general is non-existent because learning the same things is conformity. If you're wearing the same shoes as somebody else or dress in a location or event appropriate way you better buy some hoochy pimp clothes because you are being submitted to conformity. Got a job? Better resign right away otherwhise you're conforming to social standards of having a job and creating a life of your own. Etc...

The more reasonable and logical world: Having emotions is not disgraceful, and learning how to deal with them is an admirable asset.

Something the OP obviously lacks...you're a vessel of frustration and small mindedness. Only your way is the correct way in your mind, and you'll do everything to be special to hide your passive agressive nature to the world.

Applause to you Render. It must be "that" phase AB's going through. Just like everything in the 21st century it's regurgitated sentiment like people desperately trying to be "aleternative" when everything is already "alternative". Good manners and propriety are always refreshing. If you really want to be different be an eccentric, but you have to have great talent to pull that off and lots of money does help and sometimes necessary.

John Lennon was an eccentric because he could afford it. Truman Capote afforded to be an eccentric but look what happened to him. Even the uniqueness of youth is such a cliche, yada yada yada. This world will break you down. You're not all that AB. It reminds me of those angry young men trend back in the '60s Britain. They got old. Story closed.

[Render]

Applause to you Render. It must be "that" phase AB's going through.

Puberty can be really tough for some.

[aryannatimothy]

Just try to be yourself and don't think much of what people have to say.

[SpiritWriter]

There is a lot of pressure to fit in, and this is very apparent when trying to fill out the correct forms and provide the correct information for the IRS regulations. It's somehow logical to go into debt in our society, how does that make sence, to pay back for years and years until our death... we live in a society that pretty much tries to force out the same prototype over and over again, there will be some sort of artistic revolution is my assumption that will begin to change that.... And it's starting with me. screw the IRS - lol jk

Were trained what to say in job interviews - tell them your a team player, well what if I'm not? be assertive, but don't ask too many questions... value the systems we have over your own mortality, well maybe I won't...

Were cultivated by the media

We must strive to meet financial goals to afford to make it down the street, not to mention the jonses

I say screw the jonses too, but of course in niceness, they can come over for dinner but they sure won't be impressed by the size of my tv

[Mr Right Wing]

It is only in your head that individuals can't be socially accepted. That is why you may feel alienated. You just have to be willing to meet people who aren't petty. It may be your family circle which has gotten you trapped into this cycle of attracting loosers like your brother who have no true self identity.

Most people lack confidence in themselves.

The hatred shown towards individuals for not conforming to the herd is transferrence.

[Sean93]

I don't, I do what I like.

Now before you think this is some angsty thing, hear me out.

I've never been a people person, never will be so I don't feel the need to try and fit in. I can't stand people who crave attention or 'likes' on facebook or any of that crap and truth is, I like being an outsider but not in a cheesy "I'm a unique little butterfly way", just in the sense that I prefer to keep to myself and I prefer people like that too (although Ironically, the only friend I really ever be with is a big socialiser/people person so I have no idea why he likes hanging around with me).

Your brother is the kind of person I hate - doing things to fit in, I don't see the point in doing s**t like that, there's no one on this Earth who I care about enough to care what they think of me, I hate the notion of trying to please someone - why should I or anyone else have to?

I'm in the same boat as you too man, I prefer alternatives to beer (Breaking a traditional Irish stereotype here!) and the reaction I get from people is one of shock and awe because everyone here 14 and up drinks ffs (I've known of younger than that though). My friend somehow seems insistent on me drinking and although he doesn't actually say it (more so in sub-text) I can tell that he badly wants me to drink and socialise like him and his other friends but **** - why should he or anyone else care about what I do? Some social groups can't stand by and watch people get on with what they prefer to do and that boils my blood, people should be left to do what they want and enjoy their hobbies etc. (so long as it ain't harming anyone right? )

And I see no reason to go to the cinema with anyone, you're watching a film, not having a debate on E=mc2 and if people go for the old 'date' thing, they'll always spend half of the time groping and kissing, just save a step and get a room.

I do love abusing this introversion of mine though, really it's awesome because the reactions and awkwardness is always hilarious. Example - I haven't kissed a girl in about 5-6 years and when I told a few guys I know the reactions were absolutely hilarious lots of 's all round and like I said above, people somehow can;t stand to see someone doing something drastically different to them and I've been told "I'll get you set-up". Trust me, I've had ample chances at getting laid and 'meeting' but I'm afraid it'll venture into the old 'Relationship territory - NO NO NO. for all you in a relationship right now, I pity you, really.

Of course not conforming to society has it's dark side such as lack of job opportunites (because I ******* hate all that 'fitting in at work thing' - The shoes - and those staff night outs.) and I've also been called rude by many people. Funny thing is though, at college I was so quiet that the lecturer didn't realise I was there for two months.

And finally, it;s that time of the year again, the most overrated and pointless day of the year for me...the birthday, where I have to make up an excuse NOT to do stuff because people don't take 'no for an answer'!

But I've got all you internet people to keel the long days over...and the best part about it is, we'll never meet!

"Never compromise, even in the face of Armageddon" - Rorschach.

Edited December 14, 2012 by Sean93

[JGirl]

I don't, I do what I like.

you sound antisocial, not necessarily nonconformist.

i wonder if you think it really is so cool that you are such an individual you haven't kissed a girl in 5 or 6 years and this is something you brag to your guy friends about.

yeah.

Edited December 14, 2012 by JGirl