Conformity or Nonconformity

Must we always follow the crowd?

Conformity and nonconformity have significant meanings in American politics today. The present ultraconservative Republican Party is demanding conformity to the demand of former President Donald Trump and right-wing principles that defy the basic foundations of American democracy. The most recent example of this is the Alabama Supreme Court ruling that unborn embryos kept frozen for later implantation are children and have all the rights of children and adults of any age. The ruling puts in jeopardy the entire process of Invitro fertilization for those couples who cannot have a baby any other way. What is really in jeopardy is the freedom to make choices. 

The question is, do we conform to this political movement, or do we act in nonconformist ways? Examples of nonconformity in this context would be to vote our conscience regardless of radical political movements. It is up to each reader to decide when they go to the ballot box in the upcoming Presidential election.

On a different issue, do you wear the style of clothes you prefer? Do you wear the hairstyle or haircut you prefer, or are you dictated by prevailing clothes, hair, music, and art styles?

The word "conformity" carries a weight of neutrality and negativity, its interpretation shifting depending on the context. In its most basic sense, conformity refers to aligning oneself with established norms, behaviors, or expectations. This can be as simple as following societal customs for dress or adhering to the rules of a group to which one belongs. In this sense, conformity creates social order and predictability, enabling individuals to navigate interactions with understanding.

However, conformity takes on a more complex meaning when it extends beyond simple adherence to rules and influences our beliefs and values. This type of conformity involves internalizing external pressures, causing individuals to adjust their thoughts and actions to gain acceptance or avoid disapproval. We see this in how trends spread, in the pressure to adopt the dominant opinions of a group, and in the fear of standing out as different.

Conformity dictating how we think and feel can stifle individuality and critical thinking. The desire to fit in can lead us to silence our own questions, to abandon ideas that deviate from the mainstream, and to compromise our unique perspectives in favor of being part of the majority. This conformity could erode our sense of self and limit our capacity for original thought.

Yet, conformity is a nuanced concept, as it isn't always negative. A certain social conformity can be essential for the smooth functioning of a society. It provides a framework for cooperation and helps to establish shared values that form the basis of communities. Furthermore, conformity can sometimes be protective, allowing individuals to learn from the experience of others and to avoid potentially dangerous situations.

The true challenge lies in balancing the benefits of social cohesion and the dangers of uncritical conformity. It requires the ability to discern when compliance with group norms is beneficial and when it becomes necessary to resist those norms in favor of maintaining our integrity. Understanding conformity, both in its positive and negative forms, is essential for navigating a complex social world and ensuring that we remain true to ourselves, even when faced with the pressure to blend in.

The quote, "Whoso would be a man must be a nonconformist," originates from Ralph Waldo Emerson's renowned essay "Self-Reliance." Within this work, Emerson advocates for the power of individuality and the importance of breaking away from the expectations dictated by society.

At its core, this declaration promotes the notion that true fulfillment and a life of meaning lie not in blindly adhering to established norms but in bravely forging one's path. Emerson understood the seductive power of conformity, the ease of simply following the well-trodden road before us. However, he argues we sacrifice a fundamental part of ourselves – our unique perspective and potential.

To be a "nonconformist" in the Emersonian sense is not about mere rebellion or contrariness for its own sake. Instead, it's about cultivating an unwavering trust in one's internal compass. It requires the courage to question prevailing beliefs, challenge the status quo, and embrace ideas that may be at odds with the majority. 

Nonconformists dare to think differently and act according to their intuition even when it defies conventions.

While this path can be laden with uncertainty and even ostracism, Emerson believed the rewards were immeasurable. 

We tap into our inherent power and authenticity in following our true convictions. There is a liberation in refusing to be molded into a shape society deems acceptable. Within these moments of divergence, when we stand alone in our beliefs, we can create a life that is uniquely our own.

Emerson's words continue to resonate because the allure of conformity remains potent. It is an ever-present temptation to seek validation by blending seamlessly into the crowd. Yet, history is replete with nonconformists who revolutionized their fields and changed the world by refusing to accept the ordinary. Whether in science, art, philosophy, or social justice, these figures dared to imagine what others could not, shifting our progress.

"Whoso would be a man must be a nonconformist" is a call to action, an invitation to live deliberately and by our most profound truths. It is a testament to the transformative power of standing firmly in our individuality.

The American political landscape presents a unique set of challenges for those who seek to live as true nonconformists, as envisioned by Emerson. Several factors contribute to this difficulty, creating a climate where dissenting voices and unconventional political stances are often marginalized or punished.

One of the most significant obstacles is the deeply entrenched two-party system. The dominance of the Democrats and the Republicans stifles political diversity, forcing individuals to align themselves with one of two platforms that may not fully represent their complex range of beliefs. The pressure to toe the party line discourages true independent thought and the expression of nuanced opinions that fall outside the binary.

The pervasive influence of tribalism in American politics further reinforces this rigid structure. Social and ideological divisions deepen as individuals identify strongly with their chosen political party, treating it almost akin to a sports team. This tribalism breeds an "us vs. them" mentality, where conformity within the group is rewarded, and any deviation is viewed as betrayal. Dissenting viewpoints are not merely disagreed with but demonized, making it incredibly difficult to voice nonconformist ideas without facing intense social and political backlash.

In addition, the modern media landscape exacerbates the challenges of nonconformity. The proliferation of hyper-partisan news outlets and the rise of social media echo chambers create environments where individuals are primarily exposed to views that reinforce their beliefs. This limits exposure to alternative perspectives and discourages critical thinking that might lead to diverging from the mainstream political narrative.

Furthermore, the role of money in American politics poses a formidable obstacle for nonconformists. Campaigns are increasingly expensive, and those who lack access to significant financial resources or the backing of powerful interest groups need help to have their voices heard. This creates a system where conformity to establishment views may be seen as a path to securing the resources necessary to remain viable in the political arena.

The difficulties of being a nonconformist in contemporary American politics should not lead to despair. While the path might be fraught with challenges, history shows that those who often refuse to be molded by the prevailing winds bring about the most meaningful change. To resist the pressures that discourage individuality and promote blind allegiance is a courageous and crucial act, especially when the health of our democracy depends on the existence of diverse and dissenting voices. 

Each person in a democracy must ask themselves if they are conformist or if they can decide according to the situation. What are you, conformist or nonconformist?