There are times in most people’s lives where they are happy enough to merely; tow the line, not rock the boat, agree to keep the peace and follow the crowd.
Established and accepted norms and mores of society usually correspond to the need to ‘fit in’ amongst those we see as our peers.
Humans naturally want to be part of accepted social groups; therefore they will seek acceptance from those they deem to be important within their peer groups.
A group or select individuals within it might be seen as, and believed to be the ‘it crowd’.
The ‘it crowd’ is often an invite only social set up, which receives kudos (whether deserved or not) from those wishing to be part of them.
The desire to be part of the ‘it crowd’, to occupy a position of ‘glory’ too, is what the outsider may desire most. Therefore, to also attain that position and to receive mutual respect, they do whatever to reinforce the; importance, authority and knowledge of these select social set ups. The outsider then proves their deference to the ‘it crowd’.
These it crowds are perhaps even elite in their social set up. They will provide a doctrine by which those wishing to enter their territory ought to abide by. Perhaps, these select individuals are in fact the template, which any new comer should strive to emulate. These elitists are the educators of these new comers; the new comers who know nothing unless they follow their leaders lead.
It could be often seen as the case of ‘The Emperors New Clothes’ syndrome.
I am certain most of you know that Hans Christian Andersen children’s story???? Here is a summary of that tale if you don’t;
‘A vain Emperor who cares for nothing except wearing and displaying clothes hires two swindlers who promise him the finest, best suit of clothes from a fabric invisible to anyone who is unfit for his position or “hopelessly stupid”. The Emperor’s ministers cannot see the clothing themselves, but pretend that they can for fear of appearing unfit for their positions and the Emperor does the same. The Emperor marches in procession before his subjects wearing his ‘new’ suit. The townsfolk play along with the pretence not wanting to appear unfit for their positions or stupid. Then a child in the crowd, too young to understand the desirability of keeping up the pretence, blurts out that the Emperor is wearing nothing at all and the cry is taken up by others’.
It might take only one person to unmask these elitists, these frauds who are merely full to the brim of their own self importance; just like the child did to the Emperor.
Just one person who is willing to stand up and disagree with the nonsense being perpetuated, and ‘spouted’ as the truth for all to see, follow and worship.
One person; not a lot to change the tide; yet, it is possible.
So, why doesn’t this ‘unmasking’ happen more often???
Why don’t we confront such elitists and usurp them from their ‘thrones’???
Why is it we often go along with inane nonsense that has for some reason been ingrained as enlightening truth OR higher intellectual substance?????
Why is it we often see ourselves as unworthy, not enough???
Why do we feel we need to be re-moulded by others to fit in????
OPINIONS PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Let me know what YOU think about such social norms and mores…………………….,
What do YOU think about merely going along with the ‘it crowd’ without questioning them or their ideas/beliefs and knowledge????
Have YOU ever just followed a crowd because YOU thought they were ‘cool’???