Why Nonconformity Has Become Conformity

     This is probably going to sound pretty weird coming from this blog, but it was about a year ago that a sudden lightbulb went off in my head. For the most part, I would consider myself to be a nonconformist...in modern terms, anyway. But I also believe that the word has become a bit ridiculous and misleading. And here is why.
     We are being bombarded by this message every day: Create your own path! Be an individual! Be you! Don't follow the status quo! All of which are fine, I guess. but here's the problem; everyone is jumping on this banwagon. Most people do not seem to realize that nonconformity is actually becoming popular, and therefore mainstream. The term "nonconformist" is meant to define a small group of people (yes, I said group) that do not follow the mainstream culture or socially acceptable behaviors and lifestyles. So it's pretty confusing to say you're a nonconformist when it's becoming popular to do just that. And here's the paradox: not being mainstream is mainstream, but because it's mainstream then you are a conformist but also a nonconformist! Is there even a name for that? I would say "Hipster" but I don't think that's correct.
     Are we all individuals? Yes.
     "But Elizabeth, isn't that statement an oxymoron?"
     Again, yes. But here's the thing: we, as a species, have a biological need to be with others who are similar to us. We cannot escape the fact that we are human, no matter how hard we try. Regardless of what type of nonconformist you make yourself out to be, the truth is that you will always be following the ideas of someone else. We can never truly be 100% nonconformists, because we will have to follow a rule here and there at some point. Even anarchy has rules!