Conformity Killing Today's Youth Analysis

Americans, and ultimately every other individual on the planet, believe that we are all different from one another. We contrast from the way we look, to the way we sound, to the way we stand, walk, talk, etc. Overall, we are incompatible. However, what if that’s a false claim? What if we were exactly the same towards one another, like mirrors almost? My own view of conformity and individuality as it relates to humanity, society, teenagers, and the world is that we are the same more than we are different from each other. However, my claim frightens us so much; we practically change who we are and alter our existence into something that we loathe and despise. Ultimately, I believe that humanity is controlled by society and that individuals reap

the benefits and consequences of conformity as they change themselves to fit in. Additionally, I believe that no matter how hard we try to change ourselves, we will all be the same.
In Kehl’s article, “Conformity Attacking Today’s Youth” she clarifies how teenagers are somnambulists, or sleepwalkers, that wander around aimlessly under the jurisdiction of society without any second thought, compelled to do anything they say or do against our will so that we could fit in and belong.

In the Milgram experiment, Stanley Milgram remarks, “Obedience is as basic an element in the structure of social life as one can point to”. I believe Milgram is saying that to fit in, we must abide by their rules and boundaries, with no questions asked. Rita Mae Brown quotes, “The reward for Conformity is that everybody likes you but yourself.” I believe Brown is saying that no matter how much you work and strive to be something you’re not, it is inevitable that you won’t feel the warm, fuzzy, comfortable feeling of acceptance. However, I believe that being an outcast is not a

crime.
In other words, I believe that being a conformist is not always a bad thing.

For example, when we vote, we are voting because we need someone in charge to lead us to a brighter future, some people are not going to stand for what you believe in, and some individuals might not even vote at all. Overall, I don’t believe that we, as society, should worry about what anybody else thinks of one another. Granted, it might sound selfish and conceited. Then again, so is being so desperate that some individuals would dress and apply themselves with gory tattoos or piercings for the shock value in our society than the comfort value. In the article, ¨Individuality vs. Conformity: The Healthy Middle?¨ the author resolves that there is a fragile balance between Conformity and Individuality, and that we are all there whether we like it or not. The author additionally remarks, ¨The real kicker is that this horrible teetering balance is everywhere. It exists in every form imaginable.¨ The author then claims that no matter how hard we try to be unique or a sheep in a herd, we can be different and similar at the same time from one

another.
Ultimately, I believe that we, as society, is wasting our time revolving around this subject of Individuality and Conformity. We shouldn’t care about what other people think of you. All that matters is if you believe in yourself.