Breaking Free from Social Norms: Accepting Your True Self
In a society where societal expectations impact our lives, finding our genuine selves can be difficult but gratifying. This article investigates the impact of societal standards, the value of authenticity, and practical ways for living a more genuine life. Breaking free from society expectations and embracing your true self is a brave move that results in a more fulfilling life. Understanding societal standards, fostering self-compassion, and forming supportive networks can help you go on a journey of self-discovery and authentic living.
Normalization or domestication of a child is the process of transforming an animal into a man, a unique individual to an ‘organization man’ (Whyte, 2002), a species being into social being and a child into a normal adult who is shaped and molded for certain social identities and social status he or she might ascribe to at birth including religion and gender. This process commonly involves taking advantage of child’s dependence over his elders and forcing him to act in object mode—the way elders desire him to act—and perform things with indifference to his own existence. This is done through RIA(Repressive Ideological Apparatus) that includes family, school, mosque or church or temple, etc.
Normalization simply has a single objective that is to promote sameness and oppose deviance or difference among the people. The result of such a process is a normal person that is not necessarily sane and mentally healthy. An individual considered normal in one culture can be treated as a deviant or insane person in another. It is not only an individual, the entire society could be considered insane, and a sane person may be treated as an abnormal person in such a society. As Cleckley has argued that even a writer, a scientist, a psychiatrist, and prophet can be a psychopath while living a normal life. (Cleckley, 1988) Through this process, a child acquires cultural practices and imbibes social values, and seamlessly gets embedded in a social structure and pecking order, without ever knowing what is going on.
Enroll Now Click Here
Takeaways
– Cultural Influence: These norms are frequently based on cultural traditions passed down through generations, which shape our identity and sense of community.
-Cultural customs, such as family routines during holidays, demonstrate how culture shapes expected behaviours.
– Positive and Negative Effects: While these traditions foster a sense of community, they can also limit individuality.
The Impact of Media on Identity.
– The Media’s Role: The media frequently depicts idealized images of beauty, success, and happiness, creating unreasonable expectations.
– The impact on self-image: This representation has the potential to distort our self-image and put pressure on us to meet unrealistic expectations.
Consequences of Conformity
The pressure to comply might lead to suppressing one’s actual self due to society’s incentive system.
– Teen push: Studies demonstrate that teenagers commonly change their beliefs to conform to peer groups, underlining the enormous push to fit in.
Impact on Mental Health
– Mental Health Issues: The constant pressure to conform to cultural ideals can cause anxiety, despair, and a loss of personal identity.
– Finding Balance: Those dealing with these pressures may benefit from trying out different methods of thinking and self-expression.
Steps to Embrace Your Trueself
Self-Reflection and Awareness.
– recognizing Your Desires: Consistent self-reflection is essential for recognizing your genuine desires and values.
– Journaling: Keeping a journal might help you recognize suppressed feelings and desires.
– Cultivating Self-Compassion: Be Kind to Yourself: Accepting faults is a key step towards authenticity.
– Psychology Insights: Living genuinely entails embracing our true selves, rather than just the socially acceptable forms.
Creating supportive environments.
– Surround Yourself with Support: Being around supportive people will considerably help you on your quest to authenticity.
– Community Engagement: Participating in communities such as Tiny Buddha can bring valuable insights and encouragement.
Importance of Vulnerability
Embracing vulnerability.
– Key to Authenticity: Vulnerability entails being open and honest, allowing us to remove society masks and show our actual selves.
– Making Genuine Connections: Being vulnerable increases trust and strengthens relationships, resulting in more intimacy and emotional support.
The Strength of Vulnerability
– Misconceptions about Weakness: Contrary to popular assumption, vulnerability is a sign of strength and self-awareness.
– Self-Acceptance: Developing self-compassion and acceptance is critical for embracing vulnerability and honesty.
Creating a Supportive Community
The Role of Community
– Supportive Relationships: Surrounding yourself with people who share your values allows you to express yourself authentically.
– Finding Your Tribe: Connecting with others who share your values promotes a sense of belonging and empowerment.
Creating Safe Spaces
– Safe Relationships: Fostering trust and respect in personal relationships promotes open communication and personal growth.
– Establishing Boundaries: Setting clear expectations and boundaries in relationships helps to create a safe environment in which authenticity may flourish.
References
Cleckley, H. (1988). *The Mask of Sanity* (5th ed.). C.V. Mosby Company.
Whyte, W. H. (2002). *The Organization Man*. University of Pennsylvania Press.