conformists to contortists

Conformist -- adj. : adhering to established customs or doctrines (especially in religion)

It is undeniable that since time immemorial, our forefathers have strived hard to mould their offspring to conform to standards that have been set by those before them. Behaviours such as honesty, devotion to family and celibacy before marriage are, of course, qualities highly desired by the elders. Ability to extend such qualities for purposeful use in the society was greatly admired and often started a new standard for others that are to follow.

One example would be Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of non-violence and how he perished for that belief that he stood up for so strongly. Sure, his death gave India back its independence and brought on world attention, but still, some say it was too rash a move and it was certainly not worth it. Yet, if the one who has suffered believes the action was worthy, who are we to judge?

To look at things from a non-judgemental angle, just for the sake of argument, Gandhi would have done just as much, if not more, for his people if he was to live longer. His wisdom in all matters big or small would have helped his government and people in many ways, except that if he had lived his life as so, he probably would not earn himself a space in every encyclopedia available today. Undoubtedly, there would also be fewer people who would know of his name and brave deeds.

Nowadays, we have a new group of conformists. I named them "contortists". These are conformists who bend their rules according to what the situation calls for. They do not stick to one way of thinking and insist on it over their dead bodies. They are flexible, intelligent people. No longer will anyone try to go on strike by fasting. And if it fails, try the same method again.

The plans now are simple. If this does work, try that. It is no longer viable to do and redo the same methods hoping that having a higher hit rate would eventually make it work. These "contortists" are not your regular conformists. They seem to be playing by the rules, but in actual fact, they are not. I wouldn't claim that they utilise deviously underhand methods to achieve their aims, but nevertheless, the world does have all sorts of minds.

Let us be honest here. How many actual conformists do you know? Due to the evolution of the human mind, the mental pollution from society and the liberal material easily available online, everyone has quietly become a contortist. We lie, we act, and we have at least three different ways to convince someone to give in to us.

Classic example:
Amy wants to go to a late night movie. Her parents say no. What can she say to defend her interest?
1. "All my friends are going." (Gaining sympathy)
2. "I'll clean the house for the whole of next week." (Bribery)
3. "I need to watch this movie for a school project and this is the last screening!" (Using education as an excuse)

I don't think I'll need to explain further as to how we are ALL contortists nowadays. We know what works on the opposite party, and we change according to the needs. And when it comes to dealing with someone else on the same matter, we use other tactics that we know would work better.

Conformists? I think not. Thought hasn't been going in a straight line for the longest time.



** DISCLAIMER: The above article is purely a blabber with no intentions of slandering/defaming anyone. If it bores you, feel free to screw off. **