I live in this Yuppie neighborhood, and literally 75% of the people drive SUVs and wear North Face jackets. I'm not saying I'm perfect, and I know it's a small thing, but I do have my own induvidual style. Why do people want to be like everybody else?
2007-12-02 14:51:14 · 4 answers · asked by Socks 5 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
good answers....I'm going to waive my points and let the audience decide this one, thanks everyone!
2007-12-04 09:36:58 · update #1
It could be because they don't want to be noticed in the crowd. They want to blend in and be accepted and part of the group. There's also the mindset that if someone else is doing it, it's probably the right thing to do, and the more people follow that, the more people jump on the bandwagon.. weird how we think like that, eh?
2007-12-02 14:56:21 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's called "keeping up with the Jone's" syndrome. You better have your lawn cut on the same day. If you're going to have a dog for a pet, it better have papers. If your neighbor does a re-due on the outside of there house, you better think of some kind of home improvement that might even out do there's.
Could get pretty expensive, but that way the "Jone's" won't talk behind there back, they think.
Keep doing what you do. Be yourself, you have more class then that. Give up trying to figure out other people. It's you that counts.
I figure it this way - - - if someone doesn't like the vehicle I drive, well then "they" can buy me a new one. I dress for myself, what I like. I don't dress how other people think I should.
Some people want to be like everyone else, because they think they have to conform. It's to bad, because they loose there sense of self in the process.
Don't even try to figure other people out, because you'll never come up with an answer.
2007-12-02 15:56:33 · answer #2 · answered by Eagles Fly 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are many theories about this. One states that this behaviour actually stems from the fact that most animals are social and roam in herds, or packs. Animals that stand out from the pack are often the ones targeted by predators, so assimilating helps survival. Society also encourages conforming by developing social norms, or values. For example, we have laws and mores to encourage social values, and deviant behaviour is discouraged by fines and incarceration. We learn through experience what society expects.
Having said that, some societies are more accepting of individuals than others, so if possible move around until you find one that accepts you for who you are. If this isn't possible, run with the challenge of making this neighbourhood broader in its acceptance. Take it on as a psychology experiment! By exposing the neighbourhood to your own uniqueness, you will increase their acceptance!
2007-12-03 14:30:45 · answer #3 · answered by DollyMD 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
We all have a greater or lesser desire to 'belong'. Others are happier to be more individual.
2007-12-02 20:19:46 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋