The Conformity From Which I Run Screaming

I have been studying human behavior for years now (not professionally mind you, it's merely a hobby), and I've got it all down to an art form. I'm so good at it now that I can look at someone as they walk pass... and in approximately 60 seconds, I can tell you a  lot about that person, from issues they had as a child— to relationship problems they are having at the moment. With that in mind, my words gain substance. In my observations of humans on an individual basis and as a larger mass, it becomes highly apparent that conformity is rampant in society. Most people are sheep. Everyone is conforming! Even the so called non-conformists are conforming to their own set of rules. Even "rebels" eventually conform just watch a few primetime soaps— and you'll see exactly what I mean. The bad boy eventually, after meeting the "good girl" of his dreams, decides to become respectable, give up his evil, manipulative ways— and much like the Grinch— grows a heart of gold and becomes the corporate executive of a massive conglomerate with a TON of additional perks. 

Apart from television characters... everyone does it eventually and in my opinion it is a major problem with society as we know it. It is something that needs to be stamped out. It is because of this conformity that the world is in such a mind-boggling state. There is only one way to have true freedom in life and that is to make your own choices, on your own terms, for you and only you. Now I can hear you saying, "I do make my own choices..." But ask yourself...do you really? Yeah, yeah you're still saying YES. But I'm gonna rock your world a bit— you see, when you buy a product because you've seen it on TV or if you go to a night club or a restaurant or movie because a friend told you it was spectacular... then, in essence, you are conforming. If you read a story on the web and just blindly believe what most of the articles say (and trust me 70 to 80% of the world does just that), then you are conforming. If you feel that everything has to be ordered, you are conforming. 

We live in a world controlled by nature. Humans are NOT better then nature. We seem to think we are at any given moment, primarily because we are by our very nature, ego-driven, but we aren't. Things are sometimes chaotic for a reason. It balances out the rest of the perpetual marketing crap we get to swallow each and every day. The only way to do things and live life in a free and uplifting manner is... well, simply by drawing your own conclusions and forming your own opinions— based on your own research. Instead of just accepting things people say, do a little research into the topic. If it's a news story, read all the sources of that story you can get your hands on and make up your own mind as to what is the most logical of events.

Buy products because you have had experience with them and you know for a fact that they work. Don't allow yourself to be brainwashed by clever ad campaigns put together by some 21 year-old in the MTV fashion of the week clothing and a reversible baseball cap. Do what you believe in. Trust in yourself and what your mind and your instincts tell you. Listen to that "inner voice". It's tough... even for me, but we have to start somewhere.