CONFORMITY

My theory of conformity is simply this; no one can escape conformity physically. I have written the following as an explanation to how I have come up with this theory and why I believe it so.

First, we'll start off by determining the definition of conformity, or conform. We will use two different resources for this conclusion; a handheld paper back copy of the dictionary, and an online version.

• According to Webster's Dictionary (2002), to conform means "to make like; to be in accord or harmony."
• According to Merriam-Webster Online (http://www.webster.com), the definition of conformity is "correspondence in form, manner, or character." the root word, conform, is defined as "to be similar or identical to" SYNONYM: adapt.

Now we may simplify these definitions in to one. From the first definition, we can conclude that to conform means to change yourself or something to be like another. From the second definition, we can say that by conforming, you are being like someone or something; Changing or adapting ones appearance, behavior, or personal traits, whether it is voluntarily or involuntarily, to seem like, or be like another person or thing.

To help you better understand my theory, I will use examples and situations as a guide to simplify and clarify what is being said.

On earth, you have humans. You may think that all humans are different from one another, but they are not. We all have body tissue, bones, muscle, brains, hands, fingers, eyes, etc. Though we may not share some of the same characteristics, many of us are very similar. Imagine, if you will, a small boy and a man. They both are wearing blue jeans and a white T-shirt. At first glance, you see no similarities other than the fact they are both male. But that boy is very much alike to the man in more ways than one. He has conformed involuntarily to the man. Here's how:

By wearing blue jeans the kid has conformed to not only the man, but to society in two ways;

• He has "adapted" or "changed" his appearance to fit in or be similar to the man and society.
• He is wearing blue jeans. Thus becoming even more similar to the man.

Using that example, let’s try and test my theory that no one can escape conformity. Take any action and apply it to the example above. Say, for instance, you choose going to the mall. You conform because, just like everyone else, you are going to the mall too. But that was an easy one. Say you were the first person to do something. You are still a conformist. You have conformed to anyone else who has been the first to do something. For example, Richard Nixon was the first president to resign from office. You have conformed to him because you both have done something before anyone else, even though what you have done is different.

Some may argue that if you choose to be yourself, you elude all chances of conforming. But if you decide to “be yourself”, then you are conforming to everyone else who has decided to become “his or her self”. How exactly do you become your self? Think for your self? Your still conforming to everyone else that thinks for him or her self. I believe this goal is impossible because "everyone is the combined effort of everyone they’ve ever met"*(chuck palahniuk; invisible monsters). But imagine if you could become yourself and you were the first person to do so. Even though you wouldnt be conforming to being yourself you would still be a conformist (see previous paragraph).

Conformity is inevitable. Stop fighting it. Its good to be different, but you’ll always be like someone else.