Why do people follow cultural fads. It is an indication of a lack of character and personality?

Question

"The Cult of the New" appears to be a fickle and dangerous cult where anything passed off as "new" is desired by a greater number of people than what people might choose for themselves. Faddists seem to rule social groups and the world. As soon as they tire of a fad they move on to the next and the next. It seems futile and silly. Do you agree?

Answer 1

seems like it, with me im like I wear whatever I think is cool, I don't care about Trends at all.

Answer 2

No. Fads have their social purpose. Every generation attempts to define it's own culture. So they embrace or at least try new things, regardless of actual social worth. Occasionally, a new thing sticks, and becomes a social icon for a generation. Take long hair, for instance. In the '60's, it was a fad. It's since become identified with that generation.

Your following one now. This board is a fad.

Fads serve personal needs as well. Following a fad, you always have an excuse for your condition. No-one can laugh or dissapprove of you, they are laughing at the fad. You're safe from ridicule even when you wear your underwear on the outside. And by it's very nature, conformance to a fad means that you are conforming to at least one small group of people out there. An important feature to someone who has a hard time fitting in. A social "shield" makes some people far stronger, like the nerd who gains confidence from a piercing or tattoo. Or a person who connects with his "wild" side by buying a Harley.

Answer 3

The people that start the fads, do it because they have the desire to be the first at everything, to be copied and followed. Once that is achieved and everyone is doing it...they no longer desire to.
The peopls that follow the fads do it out of a sense of wanting to fit in, be a part of the popular crowd.
Technically, you too are following a fad by being in here. So you answer your question, are fads silly and futile?
Some are, some can actually be beneficial. Those tend to turn from fads to cultural icons. Stepping stones on the evolution of society.

Answer 4

This question belongs in Psychology. But I agree, it is superficial and petty, but not necessarily a character flaw. Character takes time to grow and change (if it does at all).
I was brought up in the 70s; the counter-culture. We did the opposite of the suit; had long hair and beards, wore bell-bottom Levi's, smoked weed and rocked! But even then I/we was following others, trying to fit in somewhere in this big bad world. As I grew up, I realized that I did not need to follow anyone at all. But the reality is cultural; we live in a Capitalist society, and few remained in the communes once the property taxes got higher than its tenants. Like the Native Americans, we all get forced into the Imperialist's ideals of life on Earth. Spend some time with Indians, or Hawaiians, or Alaskans (and that's just in the USA), they respected the planet, they were borrowers / participants, not conquerors. Life is symbiotic, and if the materialistic humans do not "get it" in time, humans will be no more. Hopefully, the meek will inherit Earth! Follow your heart!

Answer 5

I agree, following other peoples' examples of society steritypes is silly. I don't think it indicates a lack character, but whenever I have to come face to face with people of 'highly fashionable' social groups, I don't expect a deep person.

Answer 6

Yes I agree. People who follow fads are generally like sheep. They lack character.

Answer 7

I never follow rediculous fads. I'd rather not be part of that crowd. There's clothes that are popular now and everyone wears and it's what you would call metrosexual, and i can only think what the hell people are thinking.......(-_-)

Answer 8

Maybe people have a strong desire to belong, to be a part of something, and this is a way to feel that.

Answer 9

No, it's a movement, a gathering, a change.