(June 2, 2014 at 4:19 pm)MountainsWinAgain Wrote: I hate such people in this groups because this mold destroys the individual, they all start acting the same. And this bothers meYou are afraid that in the blizzard of humanity, it will be forgotten that you are a special snowflake, with your own unique identity.
Social conformities are external conveniences. They don't rob us of our individuality-- they protect it. They allow us to get along with those around us, no matter how their world views, or their inner demons, or their personal beliefs differ from each other.
Here's an example I often hear people complain about. People ask them "How are you?" and expect "Fine thank you. And you?" They do not want you to really tell them about the wart on your dick, or your thoughts about Obama, or whatever. Is this a selling out of the truth? No. Because the truth is the person respects you enough to make the gesture of asking, and you make the gesture of not burdening him with how you actually are.
If you're in a room with Christians, and you say "Amen" after grace, are you conforming, and supporting their religion? No. This external sign of "conformity" has no effect on your own ideas or feelings about the world. The reality is that lowering your head, or being quiet for a minute, or saying "Amen" need not have any effect on your self-identity or your world view at all.
And that's what you're missing. You think all those same-acting people are a bunch of robots, while you're the lone fighter for freedom. But you're wrong, not them. They are ALL individuals, with their own ideas and opinions. And they know something you do not yet understand-- that conformity is only skin-deep.
