What’s with Society?

Where has our Individuality Gone?

What is it about the nature of society that is so persuasive? As individuals we can be so determined to maintain our personal stance until it is challenged by society. Why is it that our own opinions can completely shatter as a result of collective trends.

Modern culture is continually infiltrated by varying opinions. Some opinions become mainstream whilst others are discarded. On paper we would say we live in a free world, a world that is aesthetically and intellectually unbiased. A place where free speech and self- ruling is applauded. However this is an idealized world as realistically the place in which we live, in particular the western world, is suffocated by a sense of autonomy and social sovereignty where the majority of society is floating down the current.

As individuals we are embedded with a desire for social acceptance. This is paramount by today’s standards. Let me lend you this somewhat mind-bending example. At the moment the fashion industry is littered with a theme of individuality and difference. Consumers are desperately trying to stand out in the crowd, trying to out-do one another purely based on the clothes on their back.

Everyone wants to look and prove that they are different. This is not about fashion trends, this is essentially about identity and the representation of it. So, whilst people want to step out of the social norm they are still looking for acceptance. People want to dress differently and capture this unique element that will embody their character. Whilst this is a lovely idea if we are to further analyze it we would see this same residing sense for social acceptance.

This is purely based on the fact that (stay with me) although they want to dress different to the crowd they still want to be recognized for it. They want the rest of society to acknowledge their difference, which becomes gratifying and hence becomes socially acceptable. Therefore is this really individual? Does this really stem from our own identity or is it another fabrication of society? How can we possibly differentiate from the two?

This is why the question remains as to where our social back-bones are. Honestly where is it that we can divide between social influence and self-driven opinion. Where is it that our thoughts and principles derive from? When will humans be happy with being the outsider against all social implications?

What does it take to turn around and swim upstream, to step outside and find your self in a puddle. Perhaps we need to all go buy ourselves some Gum-boots either that or start swimming.