Society's Influence On Identity

What do you see when you walk down your high school hallway? Many people will notice cliques, couples, and reclusive beings hidden behind their binder-occupied arms. Where do you fit in society? Are you the judging or the judged, the observer or the observed, or are you exactly who you want to be? Our culture has become increasingly commercialized, the influence of the media on people's identities and how they perceive themselves has become a tremendous force. Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote more than 150 years ago, “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” As I further describe Emerson's statement, I will explain how qualities, credulousness, and freedom are vital structures

that make individuality such a beautiful quality.
Everyone possess qualities, some being more present than others. It’s rare to come by a person with individuality as one of their characteristics. It doesn’t always mean they are fake or imitating another person, it can indicate that they have blindedly succumbed to those around them, also known as society. Anyone can be affected by their surroundings, and the media and friends have the largest influence on people. The media affects the things we think and what we believe. It plays a huge role in society, being an advisory for kids, teens, and adults to go to. The press offers many ways for people to absorb articles, videos, and pictures of how to make it anywhere in life socially. It has an overpowering impact on the behavior and performance of its audience. If you’ve ever tried to wear your hair like an actor, buy the same tire rims as a car from a movie, or even tried to lose weight to look like a model then you unknowingly have fallen victim to society and their idea of what’s “in”. Another factor that’s almost as persuasive as the press are the peers around you. For example, If you are surrounded by toxic friends, they can be a poor influence by putting pressure on one to do things that are ruinous or harmful. Their consistent disapproval and dismissiveness can lead to a lower self-esteem. The choice to be yourself and to do what makes you feel comfortable instantly reveals a strong sense of individuality.
Society is made up of leaders and followers, a great percentage of which are followers.

The miniscule amount of leaders exhibit individuality, which is so crucial to the identity of a person. These individuals have several characteristics pertaining to individuality in general. A strong, clear mindset is an important factor of individualism because without it it is much easier to get lost in the shuffle and lose sight of who you really are. Another strong quality of an individual is self-confidence. These people are satisfied with how they’re living and don’t need guidance from others, they find their flaws to be unique, and the self- confidence they own promotes others to respect them as much as that individual does. Followers imitate others’ traits in hope to find friends, look cool, and become known. Unfortunately, in the prime of it all, these people lose themselves. Occasionally one should stop and think, “Who do I belong to, Myself or society?” It seems that we aren’t running society, but society is running us. Those who choose not to conform to this scam demonstrate the beauty of individuality and the respect and confidence you can gain from such a

characteristic.
Freedom and Society are two different things, you can have one or the other but not both.

The more Freedom you hold, the less likely you are to want to be associated with with Society. Individuals are commonly restricting themselves from what they need and desire due to the pressures society has forced on them. People are moderating what they eat, increasing their expenditures, and doing things that do not please them or the people around them. The fact of the matter is that many individuals have lost sight of who they are and what they want for themselves and have focused more on what is trending or what famous people are doing. However, for those who find freedom more important than fitting in don’t stress out about what they need to spend money or time on. These people are content with themselves, and they can accomplish what they want and do what they desire. Freedom is one of the many benefits from liberating yourself from society’s tight

grip.
In the world, one will contemplate the worth of conforming to the artificial happiness of society against expressing their individuality and accepting the beauty of uniqueness. The qualities, credulousness, and the freedom a person displays proves why I believe individuality is key to living a true life. Emerson is correct when he explains why being yourself through the cruelness of the world is such an immense accomplishment.