Nonconformity as a continual, measured practice is the key to societal progress.
The notion of progress is not exactly easy to pin down because of its subjectivity. But, societal growth as a whole is an inherently subjective concept, whereas progression and regression can appear to be interchangeable depending on an individual’s background.
How, then, is societal growth and progress measured? The solution to that question can only be found through continuous questioning and exploration.
Austin Maas | Argonaut
Progress is achieved through the perpetual understanding of, and response to, power structures that exist within a society.
This process is largely driven by the concept of nonconformism. Those who refuse to conform to societal norms and existing power structures kick start the questioning and reversal of norms deemed unjust.
There is a societal perception of what nonconformity looks like. Taken to its extreme, the stereotypical nonconformist behaves in radical opposition of cultural, political and social norms. This is the person who refuses to shower because cleanliness is a social construct, who evades taxes because they believe the government is out to get them, who doesn’t eat anything but nuts and leaves they find on the street because buying groceries feeds into consumerist society.
While there certainly are people who behave in this way, the true nature of a nonconformist is one that manifests on a daily basis through the conscientious behaviors of the average person. Nonconformists aren’t just extremists, they’re also curious minds who question their conditioned behaviors, educate themselves and make small changes accordingly.
In fact, the most useful type of nonconformity is accessible.
Rather than rejecting all norms and isolating one’s self, demonstrating slight behavioral changes in an understandable way is far more beneficial. Starving to death to prove a point makes noise, but doesn’t teach anyone anything. Living a seemingly regular life while making small adjustments, like eliminating gendered language from one’s vocabulary to be more inclusive, is a way of leading by example.
Don’t get me wrong, some of the largest political and societal movements have been spurred on by radical opposition. The entire modern LGBTQA rights movement wouldn’t exist if the Stonewall Riots hadn’t taken place. Equality among all groups wouldn’t be near where it is today if everyone in history gladly moved to the back of the bus or gave up their seat for those wrongfully considered more valuable to society.
Historically, large acts of defiance have created defining moments for societal progress. Marching the streets while holding a picket sign and chanting, however, is not everyday behavior. It’s not sustainable. Realistically, those behaviors are only impactful because of their rarity.
Marches, protests and notable acts of resistance are great at generating intrigue, but intrigue isn’t the endpoint of progress. It is the continued, persistent efforts of those involved in a movement that generates real change.
Educating one’s self and demonstrating that progress is possible through small, achievable changes is the kind of nonconformism that leads to sustainable change.
Being aware of how materials are sourced by a company before purchasing their product, or being willing to confront a friend’s sexist remarks, are both examples of nonconformity on an attainable scale.
Nonconformism does not have to involve radical behavior. All that is needed is an ounce of care and a willingness to change.
Austin Maas can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @austindmaas