We all have seen cliques and posses at school, and it makes me think; is it really good to fit in? It definitely seems appealing to be part of the popular crowd, especially for an outsider like me, but I don’t want to do it at the risk of losing my individuality.
The truth is, it’s not good to fit in. Conformity is responsible for some of the most evil events to happen in history. The Cold War? All about trying to get others to convert to their style of economics. The Holocaust? Also about conformity; if you didn’t look a certain way or practice the accepted religion then you were as good as dead. The Spanish Inquisition? All it was were the Spanish converting everyone to the same religion by any means necessary. The common factor behind these dark periods in history is that they’re all about fitting in.
I’m not saying that the popular kids at school are anything like Hitler; rather, I’m saying that the principles behind their behavior are surprisingly similar. Maybe I’m the only one that notices, maybe I’m not…either way, I’m not gonna risk my life and my beliefs just to be accepted. I have seen firsthand how trying to be accepted can negatively affect someone. I’ve seen some of the smartest people in my school turn to alcohol, drugs, and partying because they believe it will get them in the popular crowd. In the process, they lose their brain cells, their morals, and their common sense. I’ve seen kids with no hope and no confidence turn to gang life to give themselves a taste of popularity and family. Three months later, they’re walking around the streets with a gun in one hand and a blunt in the other. I’ve seen girls as young as 18 and 19 go under the knife to acquire the so-called “look”; big breasts, big hips, and big hair. It’s sickening to see sometimes.
This is why I am confident and proud of my individuality. Yes, I may be a little different than most, but it is the differences between people that gives life its distinctive flavor. Even if I’m not perfect, I’m me; some people can’t even say that much. My message to you is to follow my lead and be proud of who you are; you won’t go wrong.
By Taj Simmons
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