Conformity
Being as obedient as a dog
Following the leader
Although Descartes was referencing his own existence when he spoke this, this can be applied to the thought of conformity as well. We all think, we all exist, we are all individuals. Our thoughts are our own and they are unlike everyone else's. We are all unique, with unique ideas, beliefs, and personality and there is no one else like this. However, some people's thoughts, beliefs, and ideals are stronger and more powerful than our own; their voice is the louder. It is due to reasons such as this that we conform to their standards and their owns even if they do not align with ours. Even though we are adjusting our lives to fit the societal norms, we are doing this voluntarily and of our own free will and cognition. This is what it means to conform, when we let other people's voices be louder than our own.
My Musings
Ultimately everyone wants to fit in somewhere. Although everyone at some point in their life conforms, I think when we do we run the risk of losing ourselves just so we can fit in.
My Daily Life
Up until that email I had no idea that jeans were not appropriate attire. I had been living in Michigan for about two weeks and had yet to even receive an employee handbook. I talked to my sister, who is an academic advisor at a top university in California, and she said, "Wow, if they ever visited California they would be shocked by how many CEOs dress in jeans." California is such a more laid back state and until that day I never considered jeans inappropriate work attire. My sister wears jeans to work at least three days a week. As long as I am not dressed like a bum, I feel that my attitude and demeanor speak more highly about my professionalism than my clothing, especially considering the age group I work with.
Since I enjoy my job and don't want to lose it, I conformed to their standards because this is how they choose to view professionalism. I have been working at this place for two years and my opinion on the matter still has not changed, but this is very much an instance where my voice is not as loud as theirs.
Break away from the crowd and let your voice be heard!
Emotions, motivations, social psychology: Smore submission
Professor Malgorzata Ilkowska
Psychology 111
March 21, 2016