Large crowds freak me out. Some say I have a phobia, but avoiding the risks associated with so many people occupying the same space at the same time, sounds logical to me. I think my fear is quite rational, as I prefer not to be the target of a pickpocket, and to avoid getting trampled by an out-of-control crowd. When we attend large events where crowds are unavoidable, my husband plays a game to help ease my mind. He looks over and says, “Moo,” implying that as cattle, we are making our way through the dinner line. He always brings my smile out!
My question is, why do people tend to follow the crowd (in a metaphorical sense)? I realize that chatting about the latest movie release builds camaraderie in the office, but what about the sculpted nail trend? Frankly, the idea of getting my fingernails ground down, then attaching acrylic pieces to them with superglue, gives me the creeps! Even more gross, is the piercing and tattooing trend - this dangerous gamble could result in serious negative health effects.
I want to challenge to readers to explore the world outside your social circle, and to be a positive trendsetter. Instead of celebrating the disturbing culture of reality television, be freethinking, eccentric individuals, who model inspiration and hope for others. Refuse to let your personality become a pawn of group-think mentality. Make a commitment to develop your natural creativity, talent, and skills. Cultural revival begins with a single person, when each of us unleashes our inner awesomeness!
Aleshia,
ReplyDeleteI like what you say here very much. I have another perspective, though.
I'm naturally curious and have a somewhat wild mind. Thus I've had to put a lot of effort into learning to be part of the social world around me. I've also known a number of others in the same position. And here's what I think I've learned:
Those whose minds are naturally free have an easier time learning to be social than the opposite type have learning to think freely. I know very few human herd animals who've learned to mentally break away from the crowd.
And the world needs the ideas of the free thinkers. The herd will run us over the cliff; only the individual can save the herd.
Thus, while I agree with the thought you express here, part of my goal in life is to persuade good thinkers to become good expressers. To get out into that herd-like social world, and become the leaders those moo-ing others need.
I love your husband's invocation of the cow. It's his contribution to getting you out into the social world where your thoughts are needed.
You bring up an excellent point Max. I believe our society is having a leadership crisis that is evident not only in government, but also in communities.
ReplyDeletePeople including me, would rather avoid the troubles that leadership brings. We prefer instead to hole up in our own safe little world, free from outside drama.
In my case, I wish to lead through writing. Within words, I feel a sense of strength and clarity that I don't have when I am face-to-face with peers.
Thank you so much for contributing your thoughts to my post. My husband will be delighted to hear about your enjoyment of his cow game!
I have that same feeling in crowds. It is most unpleasant!
ReplyDeleteSometimes I follow trends and others I don't. I think if you pick and choose your trends and they benefit you or your life somehow, it's not too bad.
There is always a place for individualism and yes, it should be celebrated.
I agree Becc that some trends do benefit our lives. I just worry about the younger generation following the crowd blindly. My very gullible niece is 15, and the culture of her peers is dangerous, in my opinion. I suppose our parents felt the same about ours though.
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting and contributing to the discussion.
I think people tend to follow the crowd because it's simple and, in general, people want to belong. It takes a lot of strength, especially when you're young, to know what works for you and do it even if it means you'll be an outcast among your peers.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure your niece will figure things out; as she gets older she'll see that the people in her high school aren't the only ones in the world. It may take some searching, but she'll find people she can connect with without following blindly.