If nonconformity is the norm, is it conformist to not conform?

Question

If nonconformity is the norm, is it conformist to not conform?

Answer 1

Your question is making my head spin.  We all conform to various degrees.  We have to in order to live in a civilized society.

I think it's conformist not to conform only if you deliberately cross at the red and stop at the green, smoke where it's not allowed and don't smoke where it is allowed, etc.

Answer 2

I don't think so, at least not by default.

Here's why:  Conformity is mindless following.  "Doing what others do" isn't exactly conforming, but when you do it simply because others do, then THAT is conformity.

Anyone can conform to anything, whether it's normal or not.  You can conform to high social standards (being "cool and accepted") or low social standards (being a rebel and acting out).  The only reason people associate conformity with those who are "normal" are because it seems reasonable that there are more of them, so there's more of a chance they're conforming.  But really anyone can, and 99% of people do, so I don't think there's a huge relationship between conformity/nonconformity and normalcy.

It becomes nonconformity when you think for yourself and make your own decisions because it is what YOU want to do, not because it's a trend.  Two people can look and act exactly the same and one could be a conformist and one not.  If that makes sense.

Personally, I don't know if it's possible to truely "nonconform" because of the whole concept of the suboncious and the fact that we're all affected by society and sometimes we don't even know it.

Answer 3

Since it is conformist to not conform, then nonconformity is no longer the norm, and you are trapped in an endles circle.

In my "Book of What Is", Solution #1: Deny the existence of said problem.

Answer 4

...those conformist will follow the flock...

Answer 5

Lol, good question.  Reminds me of when "alternative" music became mainstream back in the 90's.  Talk about ironic.

Also reminds me of high school.  Teens, for all their rebelliousness, are easily the most highly conformist demographic in society.  A little peer pressure goes a long way, and a LOT of peer pressure...well, let's just say it "builds character" later in life.  :-)

Answer 6

I think we all conform to a certain degree in society. You have to at times. We have rules, a code of behavior in our society where a certain behavior is accepted. If you have a person who is comfortable in his/her skin they are not afraid to  be their true selves. They can speak and do as they wish even if they are seen as "different." That includes not going along with the crowd. I think most people do feel this way at times in their lives but, don't show it as much in fear of not being accepted and being look on as "weird." We tend to seek approval from others to feel better about ourselves so we don't show that side.

Answer 7

You've been watching South Park?

Stan needs somebody to join him in a dance group (never mind why). He approaches a group of Goth kids sitting at the corner congratulating themselves on their non-conformity.

The first one says, "No way I'm gonna be in some conformist phony dance group."

Second one says something similar.

The last one in line says, "I'm more of a non-conformist than them, so I'll do it."

First one to second one, "Did he just one-up us?"

Second one, "Yeah, we've been goth served."

Answer 8

I think if the majority didn't conform there would be no norm.  Norm is defined by what most people are doing, not what's on the Levis jeans commercial.  If there's not a large enough percentage of a population doing the same thing then there is no norm, in which case it would be impossible to separate conformists from non-conformists.

Answer 9

Its like being a maverick in a herd of mavericks.

Answer 10

conformers usually follow the pack nonconformest usually are not afraid to go against what every one tells them when they know it is wrong.

Answer 11

Yes!! Exactly!!