Sarah McFadden

US Literature
Non- conformity is extremely rare. It is a phenomenon that works
against itself. It takes a lot of energy and thought not to conform to an idea
or group. If one thinks they have obtained non-conformity, they risk
conforming to a different idea or group. In this world, it seems like everything
has been done. There is a group with sub groups for a lot of different things.
The fact that being different is coveted within the young generation, the
accessibility of information, and a very supportive older generation has
created an environment of acceptance.
Todays younger generation embraces non conformity, just like the
generation before it. Claude Fisher puts it this way, Americans like to see
themselves as rugged individualists, a nation defined by the idea that people
should set their own course through life. Polaris high school is a prime
example of this dynamic. Students choose to attend because they feel it will
develop their individuality. They strive to be unique, but subsequently end up
imitating one anothers non conformist behavior. In turn, conforming. A
large scale example of how non-conformity has become conformity is the
popularity of tattoos. Until recently, people who had tattoos were considered
rebellious and pushed the edge of societal norms. Today, tattoos are
considered cool and are very common place. Non-conformity is the new
normal.

The incredibly easy accessibility and seer amount of information that is

available today is overwhelming. The internet has become a large part of
todays way of life. It provides endless windows into other places. Any kind of
aberration can be found on the web. Things that were once rare or absent in
ones environment are attainable with a click. Webster defines nonconformity as failure or refusal to behave the way most people behave. But
how do most people behave? What is standard behavior? The concept has
become obsolete. In his book, Mans Search for Meaning, Victor Frankl
emphasizes that the purpose of human existence is to find ones meaning,
and this meaning is unique to each individual. With 7 billion people on the
planet, someones meaning of life is bound to be at least similar to another.
As the human population grows, the ability for an individual to be different
diminishes. Just go on Twitter and you can follow the behavior of millions. Or
visit the Facebook page of your favorite underground indie band, and see
how many likes it has. Though the internet has broadened our world, it has
also made it smaller. As rebellious as we think we are, we will find that there
are thousands of other individuals just like us.
The generation, the baby boomers that experienced the 1960s,
1970s, and early 1980s, have supported the current generations divergent
ideas. This has caused a boon of different ideas within the current culture of
youth. Their own self concept of individualism has been handed down, and is
apparent in todays culture. This is seen even in this generations names;
Dylan, Jackson, River, Amber, Sky, Sage, Crystal, ect. These names were

once uncommon, but now are quite popular. Not only has the baby boomer
generation embraced non- conformity they have instilled it in their children.
Todays youth are encouraged to go out on their own, embrace new ideas,
and to boldly go where no one has gone before. Parents want their children
to challenge the barriers of society. They support their children, by all means,
financially, emotionally, and physically, in finding themselves.
The Boundaries of non- conformity will continue to be pushed back as
the world continues to expand. There wont be any corners for it to hide in.
The increased use of the internet, the drive to be unique, and the
intergenerational value of special identity, all combine to create a culture of
conformity. Todays non-conformist has become rebels without a cause,
except for common self expression. Its all been done before.