Welcome to Conformity High

Conformity: it’s what has been running our nation since its birth. But what people fail to realize is that if everyone was a conformist, there would be no Oprah Winfrey. She would just be another suburban living, sandwich making housewife. Teddy Roosevelt would just be another forgotten president, and Kathy Griffin would be another bitter Irish catholic woman yelling at her television. Without challenging the status quo, none of these people would be where they are today. So why is it if we want to make such a difference in the world, and stand out in whatever career we choose, we insist on looking and acting like everybody else? There can’t be six million Celine Dion’s people; somebody’s got to stand out.

Every day we are told by society, parents, authorities, and peers to be the stereotypical person: wake up, go to school, do activities, and get good grades.  Wear normal “in style” clothes, no piercings, no tattoos, no weird hair colors/styles. Listen to pop music, be Lady Gagas’ biggest fan, swoon over the Jonas brothers, and know what beach Snooki got arrested on in Jersey Shore.  We are all being molded in to the same person and are frowned upon when we think outside the box. You want to read “Catcher in the Rye” instead of “Twilight”? Than do it. So you think you can dance? Don’t go out for football, be the first and only male ballerina at Egg-Zavier. Who cares if no one else is doing it? You’re doing it, and it’s awesome. Plus the football players are tools. (DISCLAIMER: Only some football players are tools. Ok most but were gonna go with some for arguments sake)

It’s time to separate the penguins from the lions. As my favorite band once said “all in all you’re just another brick in the wall.” That’s what you’ll be if you conform: one of a thousand other identical bricks in a wall. So don’t be a brick, be a rock, damn it!