OceanWaves19161
01-04-2011, 08:32 AM
Identity is the result of both self determination and social interaction. While society can have positive influences on our lives it can also have negative ones when it causes people to conform to unnessasarry societal norms and expectations out of fear. We all try to conform in some way but perhaps we should be asking ourselves why, and, whether this is really necessary. For example, it's typical for females and for some males too, to try and embody the western body ideal of a slim, tonned, attractive apperance. Possessing these traits isn't necessarily a bad thing in itself but it is when you try to embrace these traits for others rather than for yourself. Think about it... if being slim and attractive wasn't valued by others would you really be fad dieting or embarking on impossible exercise regimes in order to get into that size 8 or 10 dress?? My bet is you wouldn't bother!!! Another example may be in relation to your gifts. Say your friend is talking to you and telling you what a horrible person his/her partner was and you pick up that they themselves may have been part of the problem. Do you tell them what your feeling or do you avoid it, telling yourself you wouldn't be considered a very good friend for saying that???While these things may seem small they actually have a very real effect on our everyday lives. They can either limit us or help us to expand in conciousness... so next time you find yourself conforming ask yourself...is this really necessary???