I was just browsing Shelfari and came across a member whose screen name is "nonconformist." Isn't it somewhat conformist to claim oneself as a nonconformist? There are enough people claiming the label of "nonconfirmist" that it is now conforming to do so. The pattern toward which conforming is really taking place is that of arrogance. There exists a certain connotation toward pride of self when one labels oneself as a person who does not "conform" as if everybody else does conform to some measurable standard or cultural norm. So to all self-proclaimed "nonconformists," I say, "Quit conforming" to the patterns of this world.
May we seek humility.
For that matter, can anyone on the internet refer to themself as a nonconformist? The better be using Norton Utilities still if that is the case.
ReplyDeleteor have a mac
ReplyDeletewhich, having a mac would make them even more a conformist.
ReplyDeleteWould it be conforming if you weighed out the difference between a PC and a Mac and then decided, not based on what popular culture chooses?
ReplyDeleteMay I suggest (and I hate when people suggest books they just read as if it's the greatest thing ever written, but here I go anyways) THE COMING COMMUNITY by Giorgio Agamben? He discusses in that book the danger of identity labels, and how the future of human interaction will either be controlled by power interests who can manipulate identity formation through labels or will be enjoyed by people who no longer have the need to label themselves by categorical labels such as nonconformist. I like this idea, and feel like that has been my secret struggle for 12 years or so. I want to be who I am, in my flux, without being (pre)determined by a label of my own or others' choosing.
ReplyDeletecorbin. very well said. i received a gift to purchase some books so i may check that out.
ReplyDelete