Individuality

Today's culture places an importance on everyone having their own individuality. That is fine, I'm not into everyone being a cookie-cutter version of someone else. But there are extremes that people take their individuality, which goes a little too far.

Conformity is important in America. Stereotypes help people determine who is dangerous, who can I trust upon first meeting, etc. Conforming helps you fit into a stereotype that you want to be in. On the other hand, conforming into a bad stereotype is not a good thing so it's important to choose wisely.

There are some cities and towns and maybe even states that embrace everyone being different. That is nice, but since most everyone wants to be around people like themselves, you have to conclude that someone who is completely different from everyone else has no friends.

But most people who consider themselves individualistic aren't 'freaks'. They just choose to be true to themselves and not do things just because others are doing it. Back in the day everyone just did what their parent's did for a living, there wasn't as emphasis on finding a career path or way of life you enjoy. Maybe that's why people now have a hard time deciding what to do and are trying to 'find themselves'.

I don't have a problem with individuality, but I think it can be taken too far. I think it is important for kids to be pushed a long a little bit, not everyone is driven to blaze a path for themselves. Not everyone is a leader, but that doesn't mean all followers should be copycats. Conform to the norm, but don't stain your brain trying to be the same....I made that up.

JB