P2 of Conformity Essay

While conformity is often seen negatively in western culture, Sigmund Freud and Charles Darwin give light to the positivity of conforming through theories of a uniform society and a biologically deep rooted need to 'imitate' our peers. In Civilization and its Discontents, Sigmund Freud maintains that an ideal "culture demands sacrifices" one being conformity. In a world where man preys upon man, a civil society at large needs to develop in order for human beings to remain. And, it is with conformity that we can build a secure foundation for progress within a powerful community. Indeed, if everyone were to pursue different interests without the entire whole in mind, conflict would arise and bonds would be broken. It is through deep and interwined conformity that we can "levy energy" and exist so well together. Now, in Darwin's Origin of Species we are shown how advantageous it is to follow, imitate, and reflect our peers. Beyond the social benefits, we are biologically predispoced to mirror others in efforts of simply learning the environment, society at large, and ourselfs in relation to others. We are social beings, and socializing is at the very core of our beings. No species can survive on their own, indeed; we need each other and not only to survive but also to be happy. And although conformity may demand some sacrifices of being an individual, the overall benefits completely outway individualism. Personally, i think many people overlook these benefits because they are at the basic of our survival and daily living- the importance of conformity has lost its content when we have no capacity for gratitude in a such standard society. Yet, the pangs of all would soon be seen if suffering and calamity were to take place. When ever there is a disaster, do you see people spreading apart and wanting to be an "individual"? No. People come together and conform to reestablish the powerful bonds of community and well-being. But, with many of my peers living in a cosy western society the ability to gain a different perspective is hard to almost impossible. Life without conformity would be unendurable and frusterations would reach to a point of no return.