- Conformity is a process by which people's beliefs or behaviors are influenced by others within a group. People can be influenced via subtle, even unconscious processes, or by direct and overt peer pressure. Conformity can have either good or bad effects on people, from driving safely on the correct side of the road, to harmful drug or alcohol abuse.
Conformity is a group behavior. Numerous factors, such as group size, unanimity, cohesion, status, prior commitment and public opinion all help to determine the level of conformity an individual will reflect towards his or her group. Conformity influences the formation and maintenance of social norms
Why do I say I am a non conformist? Because I do not subscribe to many beliefs that most people hold. For example this holiday season. Yes I celebrate Thanksgiving. Not because it has anything to do with the pilgrims or even tradition. But because I believe it is a way to bring family together and to be thankful for each other.
However I do not celebrate Christmas. My choice not to celebrate this holiday has nothing to do with religious beliefs. My spouse is offended that I do not wish to celebrate this holiday (and many others). I explained to him that as a non conformist I question why and what for. As a child I questioned why do people celebrate Christmas and what are the reasons for Christmas? I researched Xmas and its origins. I decided when I was quite young that this was not something that I wanted to subscribe to. Yes my parents celebrated Xmas. and I suppose that their parents, grandparents, great grandparents and so on and so forth celebrated this holiday also. My brothers celebrate it. So does my sister. I don't think my sons do. But they were raised in a household where Xmas was not celebrated. However if as adults my sons want to celebrate this holiday that is their choice and I will hold begrudge them. We all must choose what works best for ourselves.
I have not celebrated this holiday as an adult. It just isn't for me. No it has nothing to do with religious beliefs either. Nor do I subscribe to religion. Yes I believe in God or some greater force in the universe. But I do not and cannot except the restrictions that religion places on how one believes and worships. And whose to say what religion is right. To me they all point to the same force only in different ways. Plus their are many groups of people that do not celebrate this holiday either. For some it has to do with their particular set of religious beliefs. For others it is also a matter of personal choice.
It is not only holidays that I do not conform to. I do not say "Bless You" when someone sneezes. nor do I shake hands (lots of germs being passed here).
I am happy with the choices I make in my beliefs. No one should conform just for the sake of conforming. Do not conform because others expect you to. Don't be afraid to step outside the box. Find what is comfortable for you. If others are offended than let them be. I do. I will not conform because you think I should or just to make you feel comfortable.