Fitting in can be found all throughout our society, in our past and now. In the 1950s, Americans were scared to be accused of being communists because, at the time, the government was extremely skeptical and was willing to designate anyone as a communist. So what did the people decide to do? They tried this thing called “conformity.” They attempted to blend in with everyone else by living in cookie-cutter houses, or houses that look the same, in suburban neighborhoods, wearing the same type of clothes, and living out the typical gender stereotypes, such as women staying at home and men going to work.
Even now, people get the latest iPhone or technology, wear the same, “trendy” clothes, or even agree with certain things just to fit in with the majority of people.

Our natural gravitation towards conformity stems from our human tendency to be in groups. Firstly, groups can serve as protection, physically or mentally. In many countries, certain religious groups such as Christians or Muslims face threats and even persecution or being treated really, REALLY badly, which sometimes leads to death. However, these groups are sometimes able to conquer the threats simply because they are groups. They can fight and protest together. That would obviously make you feel less scared compared to if you were alone.
But also, we try to fit in so that we can end on the “right” or more privileged side. There have been many times where people want to fit in with rich people, rather than less wealthy people because they know that being on the “rich” side could be more beneficial; to some, being with “rich” friends might mean you could get fancy dinners, pretty clothes, the newest electronics, and even popularity.

As you all know, fitting in can be something that can actually end up hurting someone. People are sometimes too focused on fitting in, and if they are not able to, they lose all confidence. There are obviously times you want to be in a group, but there are also times it is better to be yourself and different! Embrace your quirks or your so-called “flaws”. They make you….you…. And instead of hiding it or blending in, we all should learn how to be proud of who we are!