Why is there a New York Times top 10 bestseller list? Are two political parties really the right number? There are certain societal pressures that we all bow to. Peer pressure is not just a localized influence but a cultural/national effect. If we don’t adhere to social norms then we are of society and if we aren’t of society then what community do we belong to? Seth Godin has been influencing my thoughts a lot the last two weeks. This post is no different.
So, I pledge to be weird and forge my own community. To that end:
- I will think for myself and take the lead from those close to me that I trust. Niche is the new mass market – I will follow the niches that are right for me and my groups.
- I will not be afraid to be different – to have a different sense of humor, to continue to dislike Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts movies, to believe that large databases of information really are the BEST way to spend an afternoon.
- I will no longer claim a political party. With only 2 is there really a way that I could identify with one on MY primary issues? No, so I will avoid the social norm of claiming one and supporting that system.
Austin Texas does it right with their motto: Keep Austin Weird. We should all take that advice and find our own paths to happiness.