Conformity as Control
There are some who like to think of themselves as
different, indeed pride themselves on being so. It may or may not be the case.
Often it appears those who perceive themselves as 'whacky' or 'crazy' seem just
to be a bit silly, but will generally conform to societal norms. Those who
truly do seem to have a level of perspective on 'normal' are much rarer, and
even those will be unable to see every last piece of their own conformity. Of
course we're all (theoretically) constrained by the laws of the land, so to be
a non conformist requires the ability not only to have that perspective but
also to know how and where it would be unwise to step beyond those lines. It's
funny how some of us seek to fit in, to be seen as normal, part of the crowd,
while others would be appalled to be considered such.
Big business, politics and the media impose enormous social pressure for
all to be biddable conformists, to spend spend spend on items and modifications
not needed, to be puppets to the spurious belief that to be different you have
to be the same. Most buy into the belief that those who wield some sort of
power are beyond such things, and can lie and cheat with impunity. The one law
for them and another for us mentality is quite an extraordinary aspect of human
psychology. Policing one anothers behaviour is often considered responsible and
to maintain good order, while in reality it is more often borne out of a desire
for the world to be forced into a personal view of what is and isn't 'right'.
Moaning and complaining helplessly seem to assuage frustrations while keeping
everything resolutely in place.
Those considered non conformist may be demonised, assumed to be insane
or dangerous. Rigid control is imposed in terms of what is and isn't
acceptable, though hypocrisy rife. Acceptable behaviour is measured in inverse
proportions. Drunkenness, debt, pharmaceutical addictions, body dysmorphia
(with all the attendant requirements for cosmetic surgery), insecurity and self
hatred, materialist desires unsatisfiable and dishonesty are all staples of our
society. Conversely, creativity, individuality (which we're sold as desirable
yet steered clear of), honesty, intelligent examination of the facts, observation,
responsible living and behaviour, care and concern for others and advocating
for the vulnerable presently all seem to be non conformist activities. While
not actually and specifically illegal they're no longer (if indeed they ever
really were) part of societal norms.
Of course there are a small minority of genuinely dangerous people.
Those who are pathologically unable to empathise with others and will do
whatever it takes to get what they want (though as I write this I realise this
sounds exactly like a lot of the elite). They are paraded before us with an
exhortation to be good, to conform, to not stand out and to fear stepping
beyond the bounds of acceptability, as if all that exists are drones and
madmen. Yet we all know this is not the case.
I'm not a fan of conspiracy theories, yet it's hard to escape the fact
that in one form or another, throughout history, conformity and crowd control
have been utilised for the minority to gain control of the majority. We may
look back to the past and chuckle indulgently at the stupidity of our
ancestors, wonder how they could have been so gullible as to allow themselves
to be duped so easily. We might be better served in wondering what our future
relatives will think of us.
Cathy Preston / Loreleila
The
Philosophy Takeaway Issue 52 'Open Topic'
