Conform This

I just watched a video about conformity and authority for my SOC 101 course.

It was actually very enjoyable, mainly because one of my main goals in this life is to NOT conform. I try to avoid any and all things normal, as you probably have figured out by now.

Anyway, It got me thinking of two things in particular that I'd like to write about before I go back to doing homework (yay personal time).

The first thing I thought about is how conformity relates to my love of art.
You see, art knows no bounds. The purpose of art is expression through creativity. But can creativity even exist in a conforming world? I don't think so. Uniquity is a very rare find these days, and I've tried hard to harvest it whenever possible. This, I think, is what attributes mainly to why I love art in all forms. I love music and writing lyrics because there is no authority there; you can write music however you like. True, many popular musicians DO conform to the "authority" set by the audience. But that's exactly why I dislike a lot of music. I can almost guarantee that if I don't like a musician or style of music, it's because it's reminiscent of conformity.

This is also why I love the art of screaming and intense vocals so much too. Granted, it's growing in popularity, but for so long it was considered to be "against the grain" - counter-cultural. But I love it! I love going against the grain, doing the unthinkable, breaking the rules established by popular vote.

I could really ramble on about music and art and stuff like that, but I really do need to get some work done today, so I'll move on.

The second thing that came to mind was this idea I've had since my first day at West campus. If any of you have been to ASU's West campus, there's a courtyard in the middle of what is known as the SANDS building, complete with the Kiva Lecture hall on the other end. In the middle of said courtyard is a water feature with tiles that make it look a LOT like a mini-swimming pool.

Ever since I've seen that, I've told myself that I really want to go to school one day in swimming trunks, sit down in the water, and eat lunch. There are no signs that indicate you cannot do this, but I reckon that's so because it's illogical to get wet during school hours. Not to mention the mere fact that it's a huge research facility, all business-like, and any fun to be had in such a place is kept secret for fear of ruining the atmosphere.

I had also heard about various studies regarding sociological experiments, including the one where 2-6 people all stand in an odd group looking up at nothing, and having someone record who else may join in passing. It's a classic conformity experiment, and I'd like to re-enact it, only with the mini-pool. I'd like to stage a water lunch.

If anyone else who attends ASU-West would like to join me one day, just to see what happens, let me know. The worst that could happen is the ASU Police are called and we get told by the "authorities that be" to get out because it's against "the rules" (which are nowhere plainly stated, so technically it's not illegal).

Anyways, that's my fun little rant for the day. Enjoy, and share your thoughts!

~@