Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Pressure to Conform

Why do you suppose there is such a pressure to conform in Germany? It seems to be engrained into the German history. There are indications that the pressure to conform played an enormous role in forming protestant and Catholic German religions in Germany. And the pressure to conform was a central theme in the rise of power of the Nazi party, with its Ideological view on acceptable art, culture, and even race. Some even say that the love of travel across the globe for Germans is an underlying desire to seek release and freedom from these day to day pressures. Germany’s Christian Democrats, which should be by no means mistaken for a moderate political group, gained lots of news coverage over the years with their message to immigrants – Conform or leave! And today, you see this pressure everywhere – in the desire for order, the willingness to tell you when you do things against the rules, and the reluctance to stand out in a crowd. I don’t know the answer to this. You certainly see these traits in other countries, but I’m curious why it seems so strong in Germany? Your thoughts?

1 comment:

Ken Mac said...

Facsinating post, and though I coulnd't venture an answer, conformity seems a human condition. Not many step out from the crowd, unfortunately.