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!

Why Must We Do Absolutely Everything To Be Something?

     I am sure you went through this during the college admissions process: guidance counselors, teachers, and parents are constantly suggesting different activities to participate in, what groups to join, what books to read, and what classes to take, all because it looks good on an application. Whatever, right? But as I've come to understand, the new mentality of our society is that it doesn't stop there. Young adults today are always trying to one-up each other, though they do not claim to do so. For instance, how many times have you heard something similar to the following conversation?

    "I just got back from my trip in Costa Rica. Such a good place to harvest organic fruits for my free-trade online shampoo selling business."

    "Well, I recently finished War And Peace within a few short hours and went on to read the complete works of Faulkner. In two days I'll attend a junior world ambassador's conference and help build 5 schools for autistic children."

    "That's wonderful, but let me tell you about the time I climbed Mount Everest after conducting research for Mad Cow Disease and writing three novels on the endangered purple wildebeest..."

   What the hell? Where did this all come from? Why must we feel that we need to constantly be going, going, going all the time?

     I know we certainly do not want this inside. People are constantly lamenting how they have no time on their hands, yet they are involved in an endless amount of activities. Keep in mind, most of these people aren't even in their late thirties. 

     Is it competition that is driving this? Well, then I am wondering what the prize is, because this race just doesn't seem to end. There are thousands of Internet sites urging you to read all the best books, see all the good movies, go to all the best places, and on and on. Apparently, if you can't do all of these things, you are living an unfulfilling life and will never be enlightened or have a spiritual epiphany. 

     I have one thing to say: fuck that.

     Why should we run ourselves ragged doing all of these things that people claim to be "enriching" or "eye-opening"? I tried to get through the "101 Books They Expect You To Have Read By The Time You Get Into College" list, and I can safely say that a good portion of those books sucked, despite how they have been widely acclaimed for some time (which still baffles me). Stop feeling guilty that you haven't yet published a 400-page novel or biked to Canada. Life should not be a giant to-do list; it is meant to be savored, and enjoyed at a comfortable pace. Don't get me wrong; if your idea is living is to constantly be running around, fine. Some of us just want to be a little more mellow. 

     Here's my advice: step away from those damn lists that tell you everything you need to do before you are 30. Create your own definition of harmony and live it the way you choose. 

     And you might consider turning on, tuning in, and dropping out if you so desire. 

"A Clockwork Orange" Film Review

                                

     I am so glad I finally got to see this movie and boy was it worth the wait! A Clockwork Orange is one of the best films I've seen this year so far. (I know it's only February, but still). Many people dismiss this film as being just a heaping montage of explicit sexual imagery and violence, but I'm about to divulge into what it truly is, and that is a pure art form. 

     The story takes place in a futuristic version of Britain and centers around Alex DeLarge, a 17-year-old delinquent who, along with his "droogs" (friends), spends his nights beating up drunks, breaking into homes and raping women, hanging at the local milk bar, and listening to Beethoven.

     You know, typical teenager stuff.

     However, one night a particular raid goes awry when the intended victim calls the police and Alex's droogs abandon him, allowing him to be turned in. Alex then hears of a new program designed to help rehabilitate criminals, and upon learning that any participants automatically decrease their time in the slammer, he immediately volunteers. However, he is ill prepared for the effects that this controversial method will have on him. 

     I understand that this movie is widely regarded as being one of the most controversial films of all time, and I can agree with that. The film contains a ton of graphic nudity and violence, and since rape is a recurring element, it is no suprise than most people have a hard time watching this film. But that shouldn't take away from the masterpiece that it is. Wonderfully acted and amazingly shot, this film will have you cringing in discomfort but also laughing in relief when Alex finally gets what is coming to him. Definitely a must for any serious moviegoer or controversial-film fan.

     Overall rating: 10/10