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What does it mean to be individual? Many people subscribe to the idea of having originality and independence from other people, then just do the opposite of what everyone else is doing. Is this individual? Well, in a small way it is, but if you are being forced to ‘like’ things because no one else does, then surely this is not independent thought, as you are basing your decisions on what everyone else does, even if you do the opposite.
There are people who set out to shock by claiming individuality. There isn’t much point to this, other than to get other people to notice them. Again, they are performing to an audience rather than being true to their own individuality. Taking anything to extremes because of other people is both ultimately pointless and self-destroying. That said, many people don’t want to be seen as merely sheep in a field, doing the same as everyone around them day in and day out. This isn’t that surprising, given that many people are easily ordered about, or assume a role to appease their superiors, in order to get something out of it (called brown-nosing where I come from)
So what is individuality? To me, it’s the choice that I’m giving myself to dress and look the way I want, independent of what everyone else thinks of me. It’s the ability to make decisions based on what you want, how you feel and using your own personal judgement to decide. It is not doing what other people want, but at the same time it is not defying other people. Everyone needs to have respect for their fellow humans and taking orders is sometimes part of that respect, the opposite of this is anarchy of course, which leads to many problems in society.
The balance is hard to get right, if someone asks you why you are doing something, and you reply that its because you are an individual, then they may often question why you don’t do other things as well. An example of this is that I work in a pretty straight-laced office and have decided to keep my long hair. Many people question this, and when I tell them why I haven’t had my hair cut like everyone else, my reply confuses them. “So, if you do it because you are individual…” they start, “Why do you still wear a tie during the week?” This of course, is explained in length, just because I do one thing, doesn’t mean I’m a rebel from all that the general office worker holds dear (athough, to be honest, there are a lot of places I’d rather be than in an office day-in and day-out, but that’s the same for a lot of people!) I don’t go out of my way to be annoying to others, and I help people when I can, but I stay true to myself at the same time.
So all those people out there that think they’re being individual because they deliberately chose everything that everyone else doesn’t (and I know a few) are only fooling themselves. Equally, those “yes men” out there are the other side of the coin, only doing what they do and liking what they like because the boss or their peers do, just because they think it will make them more popular. What I say is “Do what you feel is right and stay true to yourself.”
There are people who set out to shock by claiming individuality. There isn’t much point to this, other than to get other people to notice them. Again, they are performing to an audience rather than being true to their own individuality. Taking anything to extremes because of other people is both ultimately pointless and self-destroying. That said, many people don’t want to be seen as merely sheep in a field, doing the same as everyone around them day in and day out. This isn’t that surprising, given that many people are easily ordered about, or assume a role to appease their superiors, in order to get something out of it (called brown-nosing where I come from)
So what is individuality? To me, it’s the choice that I’m giving myself to dress and look the way I want, independent of what everyone else thinks of me. It’s the ability to make decisions based on what you want, how you feel and using your own personal judgement to decide. It is not doing what other people want, but at the same time it is not defying other people. Everyone needs to have respect for their fellow humans and taking orders is sometimes part of that respect, the opposite of this is anarchy of course, which leads to many problems in society.
The balance is hard to get right, if someone asks you why you are doing something, and you reply that its because you are an individual, then they may often question why you don’t do other things as well. An example of this is that I work in a pretty straight-laced office and have decided to keep my long hair. Many people question this, and when I tell them why I haven’t had my hair cut like everyone else, my reply confuses them. “So, if you do it because you are individual…” they start, “Why do you still wear a tie during the week?” This of course, is explained in length, just because I do one thing, doesn’t mean I’m a rebel from all that the general office worker holds dear (athough, to be honest, there are a lot of places I’d rather be than in an office day-in and day-out, but that’s the same for a lot of people!) I don’t go out of my way to be annoying to others, and I help people when I can, but I stay true to myself at the same time.
So all those people out there that think they’re being individual because they deliberately chose everything that everyone else doesn’t (and I know a few) are only fooling themselves. Equally, those “yes men” out there are the other side of the coin, only doing what they do and liking what they like because the boss or their peers do, just because they think it will make them more popular. What I say is “Do what you feel is right and stay true to yourself.”
It's funny. I read Rock Sound magazine, as I like a lot of guitar based music. Most of the letters are from teenagers, or people in their early 20s, and you get the full range of 'Why can't townies leave us alone, we're only trying to be ourselves. Not conforming to society's expectations of us.' etc., etc. Now I don't fit into that age bracket, but it's interesting. The same thing would come up when I was that age. Always one social group feels picked on/picks on another because of their presumed different interests and attitudes. It's the way it's always has been, and probably will always be.
The sad thing to me is that a lot of these same people (on both sides of the victimisation) see 'individuality' at the surface level. It's sad because those doing the victimising are being prejudiced, and also stereotyping groups of people by their appearance. Those being picked on think they are being 'individual' by dressing differently. Clothes are contributing factor to individuality I guess, but 90% of it is in the mind. How can you really be an individual if you are dressing up like your mates? You're not being 'mainstream', but you're not 'individual' either. Genuine individuals are those people who know who they are, their beliefs, and live life with as little compromise as they can get away with. 'Natural' individuals never claim they are being different, they just get on with it.
The sad thing to me is that a lot of these same people (on both sides of the victimisation) see 'individuality' at the surface level. It's sad because those doing the victimising are being prejudiced, and also stereotyping groups of people by their appearance. Those being picked on think they are being 'individual' by dressing differently. Clothes are contributing factor to individuality I guess, but 90% of it is in the mind. How can you really be an individual if you are dressing up like your mates? You're not being 'mainstream', but you're not 'individual' either. Genuine individuals are those people who know who they are, their beliefs, and live life with as little compromise as they can get away with. 'Natural' individuals never claim they are being different, they just get on with it.
Why would we never poke fun at Hari Krishnas? Because it's not politically correct or because they might circle and surround us and kill us with their infernal mantras?
That's what I meant. It's one thing to be interested in something, but another to feign interest to 'fit in'
Brilliant topic... and one that gives rise to much thought.
For me individuality means experiencing everything you possible can- listening to all sorts of music, hanging out with as many different people you can, and most of all having an open mind about things- and then deciding waht YOU like. No one else can tell you this.
I'm quite lucky in this. My parents are very relaxed about what I do... whether I go to get crushed in a mosh pit, or go to listen to Bach at the Arts Centre, they will let me. I wasn't brought up in any particular culture or religion, which has really broadened my horizons. I love finding out about religions, ways of life and clutures. Most of all I like meeting different groups of people. In the last year, I have helped the salvation army, organised a HEAVY metal concert with some really cool bands, and met so many great friends.
So, my point. Don't waste life... u ony get one go at it!
For me individuality means experiencing everything you possible can- listening to all sorts of music, hanging out with as many different people you can, and most of all having an open mind about things- and then deciding waht YOU like. No one else can tell you this.
I'm quite lucky in this. My parents are very relaxed about what I do... whether I go to get crushed in a mosh pit, or go to listen to Bach at the Arts Centre, they will let me. I wasn't brought up in any particular culture or religion, which has really broadened my horizons. I love finding out about religions, ways of life and clutures. Most of all I like meeting different groups of people. In the last year, I have helped the salvation army, organised a HEAVY metal concert with some really cool bands, and met so many great friends.
So, my point. Don't waste life... u ony get one go at it!
Yeah I think we call them Goths aswell!.....
Personally I think they were just trying to fit into a group and were doing it because their friends were or something.....
a bit like *FOOTIE SHIRTS* where people wear the same as eachother and support the same *FOOTIE* team, just because their mates do.....
:-)
Personally I think they were just trying to fit into a group and were doing it because their friends were or something.....
:-)
We used to have Goths in my era. All dressed in black and obsessed with death. I thought some of the clothing they wore was pretty cool (well, I WAS a fan of Sandman comics!), but some of them went a bit too far for me!
But then, are these people indiviual, or just dressing and acting the same as their 'friends' in order to fit in to a group?
But then, are these people indiviual, or just dressing and acting the same as their 'friends' in order to fit in to a group?
Interesting topic.....
Ive always thought this but would never have been able to put it into words, weird one that...
Anyway, Ive just left school and there used to be these kids we called "GRUNGERS" they listened to that heavy metal, screaming music stuff..... If you know what I mean! :-)
These kids used to die and spike their hair, pierce every piece of flappy skin on their body and yes they were always listening to that music....
I could never understand whether they were doing this just to try and stand and get peoples attention.....
I had nothing against them, but I just never talked to any of them, they were just *different*.... sad really, because they were probably nice people....
Im going into college next year, where you can wear what you want, no school uniform *and the crowd goes wild*....
Im just wondering what some of these "GRUNGERS" are going to be wearing come September! :-)
Ive always thought this but would never have been able to put it into words, weird one that...
Anyway, Ive just left school and there used to be these kids we called "GRUNGERS" they listened to that heavy metal, screaming music stuff..... If you know what I mean! :-)
These kids used to die and spike their hair, pierce every piece of flappy skin on their body and yes they were always listening to that music....
I could never understand whether they were doing this just to try and stand and get peoples attention.....
I had nothing against them, but I just never talked to any of them, they were just *different*.... sad really, because they were probably nice people....
Im going into college next year, where you can wear what you want, no school uniform *and the crowd goes wild*....
Im just wondering what some of these "GRUNGERS" are going to be wearing come September! :-)
What does it mean to be individual? Many people subscribe to the idea of having originality and independence from other people, then just do the opposite of what everyone else is doing. Is this individual? Well, in a small way it is, but if you are being forced to ‘like’ things because no one else does, then surely this is not independent thought, as you are basing your decisions on what everyone else does, even if you do the opposite.
There are people who set out to shock by claiming individuality. There isn’t much point to this, other than to get other people to notice them. Again, they are performing to an audience rather than being true to their own individuality. Taking anything to extremes because of other people is both ultimately pointless and self-destroying. That said, many people don’t want to be seen as merely sheep in a field, doing the same as everyone around them day in and day out. This isn’t that surprising, given that many people are easily ordered about, or assume a role to appease their superiors, in order to get something out of it (called brown-nosing where I come from)
So what is individuality? To me, it’s the choice that I’m giving myself to dress and look the way I want, independent of what everyone else thinks of me. It’s the ability to make decisions based on what you want, how you feel and using your own personal judgement to decide. It is not doing what other people want, but at the same time it is not defying other people. Everyone needs to have respect for their fellow humans and taking orders is sometimes part of that respect, the opposite of this is anarchy of course, which leads to many problems in society.
The balance is hard to get right, if someone asks you why you are doing something, and you reply that its because you are an individual, then they may often question why you don’t do other things as well. An example of this is that I work in a pretty straight-laced office and have decided to keep my long hair. Many people question this, and when I tell them why I haven’t had my hair cut like everyone else, my reply confuses them. “So, if you do it because you are individual…” they start, “Why do you still wear a tie during the week?” This of course, is explained in length, just because I do one thing, doesn’t mean I’m a rebel from all that the general office worker holds dear (athough, to be honest, there are a lot of places I’d rather be than in an office day-in and day-out, but that’s the same for a lot of people!) I don’t go out of my way to be annoying to others, and I help people when I can, but I stay true to myself at the same time.
So all those people out there that think they’re being individual because they deliberately chose everything that everyone else doesn’t (and I know a few) are only fooling themselves. Equally, those “yes men” out there are the other side of the coin, only doing what they do and liking what they like because the boss or their peers do, just because they think it will make them more popular. What I say is “Do what you feel is right and stay true to yourself.”
There are people who set out to shock by claiming individuality. There isn’t much point to this, other than to get other people to notice them. Again, they are performing to an audience rather than being true to their own individuality. Taking anything to extremes because of other people is both ultimately pointless and self-destroying. That said, many people don’t want to be seen as merely sheep in a field, doing the same as everyone around them day in and day out. This isn’t that surprising, given that many people are easily ordered about, or assume a role to appease their superiors, in order to get something out of it (called brown-nosing where I come from)
So what is individuality? To me, it’s the choice that I’m giving myself to dress and look the way I want, independent of what everyone else thinks of me. It’s the ability to make decisions based on what you want, how you feel and using your own personal judgement to decide. It is not doing what other people want, but at the same time it is not defying other people. Everyone needs to have respect for their fellow humans and taking orders is sometimes part of that respect, the opposite of this is anarchy of course, which leads to many problems in society.
The balance is hard to get right, if someone asks you why you are doing something, and you reply that its because you are an individual, then they may often question why you don’t do other things as well. An example of this is that I work in a pretty straight-laced office and have decided to keep my long hair. Many people question this, and when I tell them why I haven’t had my hair cut like everyone else, my reply confuses them. “So, if you do it because you are individual…” they start, “Why do you still wear a tie during the week?” This of course, is explained in length, just because I do one thing, doesn’t mean I’m a rebel from all that the general office worker holds dear (athough, to be honest, there are a lot of places I’d rather be than in an office day-in and day-out, but that’s the same for a lot of people!) I don’t go out of my way to be annoying to others, and I help people when I can, but I stay true to myself at the same time.
So all those people out there that think they’re being individual because they deliberately chose everything that everyone else doesn’t (and I know a few) are only fooling themselves. Equally, those “yes men” out there are the other side of the coin, only doing what they do and liking what they like because the boss or their peers do, just because they think it will make them more popular. What I say is “Do what you feel is right and stay true to yourself.”