by Elizabeth A. Marion

Created on: May 16, 2010

Most people, if not everyone, like to think of themselves as individuals who are unique, original, and creative. If everyone who really thinks they thrive on individuality took a closer look at themselves they would probably find that they are not as original as they thought. It's not that people are incapable of thinking for themselves, but there are so many social norms and expectations that we go along with without even thinking about it, never even realizing that we're just "going with the flow" instead of thinking for ourselves. Every time we don't buy an outfit we really like because of what other people will think about it, we're not thinking for ourselves. Every time we pretend we don't like our favorite band because they're not very popular, we're not thinking for ourselves. And every time we wait for someone else to try something first before we try it, we're not thinking for ourselves.

When people hear the phrase "trying to fit in" they think of kids in middle school and high school. Adults don't realize how much they cater to the whims and expectations of other people to gain their approval. Having said that, there are certainly times when this is appropriate. For example, a person trying to impress their boss or do well in their job is nothing bad. It is going a long with certain expectations, but in a good way and in a way that is respectable.

Individuals, even as adults, still choose to go along with what society tells them to do when it's not necessary. And that is not individuality. Society, from the entertainment industry to fashion magazines to talk show hosts and political figures, is constantly telling us how we should be living our lives. They tell us what music and movies we should like, what clothes we should wear, which celebrities we should be gawking over, and who to vote for. How many of us actually act on it when we have a thought that differs from what one of our favorite talking heads has to say? Many of us just go along with what other people want us to do, all the while considering ourselves to be creative and original thinkers.

Individuality doesn't always mean doing the opposite of what everyone else is doing. Individuality is doing something because you want to do it, not because other people pressure you to or tell you to. Trying to fit in and following whatever society tells you is not individuality.

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