by Raymond Alexander Kukkee

Created on: November 12, 2008   Last Updated: December 20, 2008

Individualism in Modern Society: Lost by default or by Suppression?

Are you a nonconformist? A loner? Maybe a "somewhat weird" person, or are you somehow just an ordinarily different, free-thinking, unique individual? If your existence falls within any of these definitions, you may be considered to "not belong" in the society around you. That may be a harsh concept, but in examination and in life experience itself, some individuals on a daily basis, experience the fact and pay the cost of being different.

Individuals may not fit easily into society if nonconformist ideas, practices or lifestyle are put forth and made available for scrutiny. Mind set, economic status, appearance, characteristics and habits are all warily measured, evaluated and categorized by society. Judgement, ostracism and total alienation can and does occur. Artificial divides bestowed upon society by the establishment of arbitrary parameters defining what may be considered normal can create artificial and often cruel barriers. Such results may be attributed to the disapproval and subsequent loss of individualism in modern society.

Genuine, unique, thinking individuals, just as demographic groups described as homeless, poor, or mentally ill, are categorized , often seem to belong somewhere outside of mainstream society. They may be perceived as less desirable individuals more difficult to control. People displaying an unusually high degree of individualism do not blend easily into society's bland, approved and collective self-identity.

It is modern and trendy to say it is politically incorrect to label or stereotype individuals, yet labeling remains a substantial aspect of a self-conscious society established with predefined characteristics and scope. To allow alternatives or extremism in any form or even a minor variance in parameter, is to allow individualism. Is differentiated individualism and subsequent classification and labeling of persons a suspect, but desirable goal?

It may be suggested this conundrum is logical, for how can the controllers and engineers of society possibly know what is happening when individuals, or even their favourite demographic groups, refuse to conform, not cooperating with the established system?

What is the obscure inventor doing in his garage, late at night in secrecy? What are the homeless talking about, crowded around the burning scrap barrel in the alley? Which devious premise will encourage people to think outside of the box? Does a rigidly controlled society

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