Why do so many strive to be unique, but want to punish others for not being like them?

Question

To me it seems these are conflicting agendas, but common nonetheless.

Answer 1

I don't think they punish because they are not like them but only because they are not trying to be unique in their own way.

Answer 2

Not necessarily. They do conflict in a general sense but it must be considered that there is on the whole what we like to call 'general consensus'. There are thus ways of distinguishing oneself that are considered acceptable by general consensus and others that are not. Hence people who do the former are celebrated while those who do the latter are punished. It has a lot to do with the power of the people involved. Galliano for example is a million dollar making designer, hence people are more likely to label his eccentricities as 'fashion'. My old neighbour on the other hand, who wears her pyjamas everywhere is called 'batty'.

Answer 3

Oh we can be as unique as we please. As long as it fits someone else idells. What it really bowls down to is power and controle. As long as we controle you and have power over you. Or we simply have use for you then you can call yourself our equill and unique, but the true is you never are.

In the end you can be unique all you want, but if you have no power or control, then you will never be equill. The true is no 2 poeple are ever the same. They may shure some of the some idea's, goals and believes. But They are never the same, so taking that into conitration everyone is unique what there really striveing for is to make everyone else just like them.

Answer 4

There are limits to how unique people want to be. Most people don't want to be unique is a situation where being unique is foolish. For example, if you were the only one to wear a costume to a non-costume party.

I'd argue that people want to be unique only in circumstances where being unique has a high value. Conversely, people condemn others for being different in contexts where the speaker feels difference is of low value. The hypocrisy you pointed out is some people's way of trying to ratchet themselves up the social hierarchy.

Answer 5

People strive to be unique because defining them selves as individuals tell them that they are somewhat special. And to punish others for being different...well. People fear what they do not understand. Doubt leads to fear, fear leads to hate and hate leads to pain for those who are different. Hens every body suffers in one way or another, no matter how insignificant the pain, due to prejudice. And every body are prejudice. Yeah even you. See you just called me an idiot. You don't know me............

Answer 6

You've a good point there. Sadly, discrimination & prejudice exists everywhere.
Frankly, it's the same reason why people can't deal with the fact that others are better/ prettier/ richer, etc than them. Go figure.
These people are either confused themselves or feel intimidated by others' superiority i.e. those who choose to oppress the minority to further seal their popularity...

Answer 7

U r right. We want to control other people.

We strive to be different, but want other people to follow us
and be like us. When they are not we label (punish) them as selfish people. We want to be leaders and have as many followers as possible. Like the Pharaoh

Answer 8

as an individualist i know well what you refer to ,but did you ever think that its not the fact that others are different that creates such hostility its the fact that the "civilized people" simple minded fools they are try to force us to conform to their ideals rather than accept our differences is what makes this world interesting and petition the government to persecute us (no i don't mean prosecute) in short you leave us alone and we will leave you to your rusted existence

Answer 9

I think it's their feeling of inferiority (sp?). I really do, they want to punish others, because of their own flaws.

Answer 10

Immaturity and intolerance