individuality

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Aubree Kilakowske

Baldwin

English 10

May 6, 2014

Individuality vs. Conformity

Conformity is the opposite of individuality. To conform is to go with what is said to

be the right thing to do in society. To not do what you would do, but what you should do.

Individuality is to own what you were made to be and live to your fullest extent. To be

your true self, not what everyone wants you to be.

In the article, The Sociology of Leopard Man, by Logan Feys, he argues that

humans are meant to be individuals, but society pressures us to all be the same and fit

in. He even states that "society looks down upon freakish and extraordinary individuals

alike and views them with suspicion." That conformity is seen as one of the worlds most

common but dangerous psychological disorder, and to be human is to be an individual

human. He is trying to say that to conform is to give up who you are, who you were born

to be, to the majority of school, workplace, society. Individuality is good, but society

thinks its bad. They say, "be your self" but then frown upon you if you don't dress or do

your hair the same as everyone else.

I agree with Feys' argument. we are all born to be who we are, not to be someone

else. If everyone in this world were the same, then the world would be extremely boring.

There would be no variation whatsoever. In fact, thats how people become known. For

stepping outside of societies box, and doing something different. weather its good or bad

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could be argued, but they're still widely known for doing something that no one else had

even thought of doing. Like the Leopard Man. Tom leppard wanted to be his true self and

live his life so he is happy, and so he did. He doesn't do it for the attention, he does it

solemnly because thats what he thinks hes meant to do with his life. Feys writes,

"Leopard Man ­ unlike so many millions of people who are a slave to societies demands

­ is happy." I think that this is how people should live their lives. If you want to be a

leopard, who cares? Go live your life the way you want to. But sadly, we are all basically

forced to go to school, go to college, get a job, make your career, and make money until

you retire. I mean sure there is freedom, but theres also not enough. we have a choice to

do what we want, but to an extent.

in conclusion, I think conformity and nonconformity are both important aspects of

living life the way you want to.