A concept of psychology that in ten years I'll hopefully still remember is that though we as individuals think we are strong willed or strong minded and will always do our best to stand up for what we believe in, we are incredibly susceptible to conformity as well. Like the people in the examples we saw in discussion, even though we think that we can stand strong in what we believe in, just like them, there is a very good chance that we will falter and eventually give into conformity when we are the only ones that hold our beliefs or opinions. So we must remember that even when it seems like we are the only ones holding onto our beliefs or our values and most people are against it, we must stand strong and not conform, especially when the conformity will lead us to do bad or hurtful things to other people or groups of people. The need to conform is a strong one but we must stand up for what is right and what is good, even if it seems like we are the only ones doing so. And we must continue to keep standing strong even through the test of time. We all always want to fit in but fitting in isn't necessarily always a good thing. And that, in ten years, is what I will still remember.
In ten years....
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I agree with your opinion that it is important to sustain own belief while influence from others is very powerful. People unfortunately rely on conformity since it is the easiest way to be apart of society. But we need development in our lives. Thus, we need to be aware of the social influence since we learned about it.
I as well try to myself to not conform to what is popular. It can be a struggle when it you may seem odd or out of the norm. Sometimes it is good to conform and take advice. When others are blatantly wrong, however, then it is a must not to conform.
I too think this was a great take-away. I think it discouraging that conformity was so common. However, there is also the great news that studies show that even one other person showing defiance increased the likelihood of that person not conforming. This i great news in a country where speaking your mind is legal!
I agree with you that we all need to stand apart in order to truly live a unique life, but I don't think conformity is ALL bad. I find it interesting that Americans aspire to be unique, and different from one another, while countries from the eastern hemisphere strive to all fit in. Uniqueness is discouraged. But I do agree that uniqueness is important and conformity is discouraging. Without new minds we wouldn't have all of the new inventions we have today!
Some people are more inclined not to share their beliefs in attempt to sustain the conformity in a team or soceity- they need the other people approval much than they suggest. href="http://www.removalcompany.co.uk/page-removals-services.html">removalcompany.co.uk
I do agree that not conforming is a key to life. You must do what you find as comfortable and not care too much in what others think of you. There are many examples of people in our generation dressing and/or acting a certain way to fit in. I will also hold on to the concept of conformity, not because I will actively avoid it, but because I will always makes me most comfortable.