I'm Doing that...... Erm so am I actually

Now this blog is about group conformity. This is one of the most prominant human effects that we have on each other in our day to day lives. It can be quite umourous the way that we go to absolute extremes just to conform with each other and to be part of a group.

This is often thought of as something that young people do and we grow out of it however it is not true at all. I have no shame in admitting that I conform to various things in my everyday life including the latest fashions (well I try) the 'in' music even down to what I buy in a supermarket. The other day I was in Sansbury's and as I was picking up a certain brand of washing up liquid she picked up another and said "this ones better" in a stern and 'don't mess with me' kind of voice so did I stick to my guns and get good old fairy... no of course not I conformed and got the cheaper and apparently 'better' Sainsburys own which I have since found out it is not better however I know for a fact that if I were confronted with the same situation again I would buy what I was told and conform. It's Ridiculous isnt it!

In terms of Music I personally hate Dub Step which unfortunately is currently experiancing a renaissance and therefore I have to put up with it. When I was arranging my group event during the meeting with our venue manager when talking about the music playing at the venue when one of the group memebers shouted Dub Step I wanted to cry. That was obviously kept well under wraps though as I sat there smiling and nodding and minding my p's and q's in front of the venue manager until we got outside and I gave dear old Stevie a right talking to! No way jose would I have said anything at all whilst in the meeting and yet again just sat there and conformed. Afterwards it seems stupid but it happens more often that you think.

Sticking with the subject of music Jennifer Lopez has a new song out and again I hate it! Since when has being a talent show judge meant having number 1 hits even if the music is crap.... woops anyway.... moving things along when out and about and as it comes on everyone cheers do I stand there with a face like a slapped backside... Nooo definately not I wave my hands in the air like I just dont care and sing along to the worst lyrics in the world at the top of my lungs. I mean would you honestly go against everyone and look like a weirdo... Thought Not.

http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsPvRtQIKG0&feature=related

This video shows conformity whilst linking in with groups. Each of us has to fit into a specific group and conform to the rules that are set by that particular group in order to be accepted. As this video shows the character that is narrating believes that the group she belongs to is the best and this is often the case. For example when I see The Only Way Is Essex on the TV whilst I am aware that walking a Micro Pig in a forest on a lead is not normal behaviour the rest of the show isnt exactly 'abnormal' in my opinion anyway whereas everyone and there dog in High Wycombe believes it's ridiculous and if I get greeted with 'oh my god you're from Essex... I'm gonna tell my daughter i've met an Essex boy like that show' once more whilst working I may have to punch them in the face. At this rate they might as well put me in a Museum. This is I guess however due to the fact that I have conformed in some way to how things are done in Essex and therefore to me it's not all crazy. This can be linked to Culture as certain places or areas have cultures that people adhere to.

According to a study performed by Gerard Keegan the main reason that we conform is 'To convey a good impression of him/herself'. This really does ring true as in the supermarket I didnt want an old lady to think I was being horrible by not listening to her.....

So there you have it we conform because we are too nice..... and they say people these days are selfish. I guess it just shows you.