Curse of conformity is a phenomenon that affects individuals and society as a whole. It refers to the tendency for people to conform to the norms, values, and expectations of a group or society, even if those norms go against their own personal beliefs or values. This conformity can be seen in various aspects of life, including fashion trends, popular culture, and societal expectations. Conforming to societal norms can have negative consequences for individuals. It can lead to a loss of individuality and a suppression of one's own unique thoughts and ideas. When people conform to the expectations of others, they may feel pressured to fit into a mold and meet certain standards, even if it goes against who they truly are.
NM-Mint, English
much reflection on these questions, I randomly stumbled across a blog post entitled The Curse of Conformity which is a call to action for Christians to focus more on contribution than conformity. Whenever you cast an enchantment spell, create a white Spirit Cleric creature token with This creature s power and toughness are each equal to the number of Spirits you control.
When people conform to the expectations of others, they may feel pressured to fit into a mold and meet certain standards, even if it goes against who they truly are. This can lead to a sense of unhappiness, dissatisfaction, and a lack of fulfillment in life. Society as a whole is also affected by the curse of conformity.
The Curse of Conformity
Let me tell you how (and why) I landed my first job in the computer industry. I applied for an open position, sent in my resume, endured two or three interviews, and finally attended one last meeting.
In that meeting, my soon-to-be boss said, “I wanted to tell you personally that I have chosen you for the position, but I also want to tell you why I did.” He explained,
- “I didn’t choose you because of your education” (I had studied 17 th Century European Intellectual History, not exactly Computer Science);
- “And I didn’t choose you because your grades were better” (when I say I “studied history” I don’t mean to imply I studied real hard);
- “And I didn’t choose you because of your great business experience” (three years of overseas mission work didn’t qualify as a practical MBA).
(His care for my self-esteem was underwhelming; I began to wonder if the job was really mine.)
He continued, “I chose you because you answered my questions differently than I would have. I didn’t agree with your every answer, but your answers gave me an outlook I hadn’t considered. I don’t need more people who think like me—I already think like me—I need people who offer different perspectives.” He concluded,
“The curse of the computer industry is conformity; never lose your non-conformity.”
Iron sharpens iron
We all need different perspectives. We may not like them, but we need them.
Before I post a blog, I ask a few people for their input. My mom often responds, “Sam this is the most brilliant article you’ve ever written.” I like that. It makes me feel good. (And my self-esteem is still recovering from the job interview thirty-five years ago.)
And my son Jonathan often responds, “Dad, this might be the worst article you’ve ever written. It’s preachy; you used the word ‘grace’ twenty-seven times; you forgot to use any humor; and it isn’t your voice.” I feel bad, a bit sad, and perhaps a little mad.”
And I love it . Because his viewpoint dramatically improves my writing.
He’s giving me eyes to see myself from the outside. His perceptions balance my perspective. He’s not conforming to me, he’s non-conforming to me; and so he’s transforming me.
Iron sharpens iron; marshmallows ooze goo (and make you fat). We need more iron in our diet.
But it goes against the grain
The world trains us to conform, imitate, replicate, duplicate, and fit in. From eye-glass fashions to Applebees in every mall, the compelling pressure is to copy. And like lemmings we follow.
But success is born out of distinction. It’s the differences that make the difference. Hugely popular Apple Corporation flourished because they offered something new; they weren’t your daddy’s IBM. Transformation arises out of departure from the everyday norm.
That boss of mine was unusual … and unusually wise (except, perhaps, in hiring me). He reveled in the challenge of a different viewpoint. Most bosses fear disagreement. They are so insecure that our slightest question sends them howling. But in uniformity we lose our soul.
God made unique hands, feet, and eyes. He doesn’t need fifty-seven thousand more big toes.
Where it’s needed most
Nowhere is this curse of conformity more obvious than in modern, western Christianity.
The world around us is in trouble: it is the uncommon marriage that lasts thirty years, political correctness campaigns against original thought, and people are escaping their lives through media, Facebook, alcohol, pornography, and isolation.
People need different answers than the world offers—different answers. C. S. Lewis said,
Our business is to present that which is timeless (the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow) in the unique language of our own age. Bad preachers do the opposite: they take the ideas of our own age and dress them in the traditional language of Christianity.
[callout]Iron sharpens iron; marshmallows ooze goo (and make you fat). We need more iron in our diet.[/callout]
Me too-ism
I don’t understand us Christians. We believe—or think we believe—that Christianity offers something completely unique: adoption into the heavenly family. But then we run after popular trends and say to the world, “Me too. Please like me. I can be cool too.”
It’s everywhere in modern Christianity. We embrace the world’s answers to psychological healing, divorce, emotions, shame, sexuality, money, music, media, isolation, and group-think.
We adopt the world’s answer, dress them in clerical robes, and say, “Me too.” But the world looks at us and responds, “Who cares! We thought this way without your help. We don’t need Christianity’s approval; of what help are you?” We’ve conformed and not contributed.
Mark Twain said, “It is our nature to conform; it is a force which only few can successfully resist. Why do we conform? The inborn requirement of approval.” We want too much to be liked. So we fail.
What can we do?
Michael Crichton wrote, “In the information society, nobody thinks. We expected to banish paper, but we actually banished thought.” Believers and non-believers listen to the same music, watch the same TV shows, read the same Facebook stories. And accept the same answers.
I’m sick of dumbing down Christianity. It’s time to offer again Christianity’s unique answers.
Let’s never lose our holy non-conformity.
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When individuals conform to societal norms and expectations, it can inhibit creativity, innovation, and progress. It reinforces the status quo and prevents new ideas from emerging. This can limit growth and development in various areas, including science, technology, and the arts. However, breaking free from the curse of conformity is not always easy. There can be significant social pressure to conform, and deviating from the norm can lead to criticism, rejection, and even social isolation. This fear of standing out and being different can prevent individuals from expressing themselves authentically and pursuing their own passions and interests. It is important for individuals to recognize the curse of conformity and challenge societal norms and expectations. By embracing their individuality and staying true to their own values and beliefs, individuals can lead more fulfilling and meaningful lives. Society as a whole can also benefit from a greater acceptance of diversity and a willingness to embrace new ideas and perspectives..
Reviews for "The Curse of Conformity: How It Stifles Diversity in Society"
1. Jane - 2/5
I found "Curse of Conformity" to be quite disappointing. The storyline was predictable and lacked originality. The characters were one-dimensional and I had a hard time connecting with any of them. The pacing was also quite slow, making it difficult for me to stay engaged. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book to others.
2. Mike - 1/5
"Curse of Conformity" was a complete waste of time for me. The writing style was amateurish and filled with cliches. The plot was uninteresting and lacked any real depth. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural. I found myself skimming through the pages just to finish the book. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for a thought-provoking or engaging read.
3. Sarah - 2/5
I didn't enjoy "Curse of Conformity" at all. The characters were unlikable and lacked development. The plot was predictable and lacked any real surprises. The writing style was dry and unengaging. I found myself constantly checking how many pages were left, just hoping it would end soon. Overall, I was left feeling disappointed and unsatisfied with this book.
4. Mark - 2/5
"Curse of Conformity" had potential but failed to deliver. The concept was interesting, but the execution fell short. The pacing was inconsistent, leading to a disjointed reading experience. The dialogue was unrealistic and often felt forced. I found myself struggling to stay interested and ultimately felt let down by the book. I wouldn't recommend it to others.