Rebel With a Cause: Why It’s Right to Speak up When the Crowd Is Wrong

A lie doesn’t become truth, wrong doesn’t become right, and evil doesn’t become good just because it’s accepted by a majority. – Rick Warren

Are you afraid to express yourself when your thoughts and opinions differ from those of your family, friends, and colleagues?

Do you conform (or pretend to) with the beliefs of others in your circles in order to keep the peace and not ruffle any feathers?

Sure, sometimes it is easier to go with the flow rather than share a dissenting opinion.

But, often the right thing to do and the hard thing to do are the same thing.

What conformity is and how it can be detrimental

Conformity is a process by which your attitudes and beliefs become influenced by other people. It can be obvious (as in peer pressure), or it can be a more subtle influence that develops over many years…or even a lifetime.

The result is that you end up thinking and behaving like everyone else.

While that might feel comfortable for you, it can have negative effects on your health and happiness. In extreme cases, confirming with the crowd (herd mentality) can be damaging to society.

Continue reading…