Tha Buddha speaks

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Buddha, I don't know who you are, but I respect your fervor in your argument, however, I think it has holes.

When you try to clarify the "vague notion of individuality" you say people have the right to chose and chose to be the same. I think you fail to realize that is a choice to remain the same. Maybe things are not as bad as you seem to emphasize if people are willing to change. History has shown, through political rebellion, that people are willing to chose change when they feel necessary. If you are unhappy with the lack of individuality, what are you doing to change that? I am sure you find yourself fitting into the crowd and not fully expressing your individuality.

Then you go on with "'imaginary principle of freedom' - We are trapped in the rules of some game that society has bound us to, yet we pretend to be in control of our own destiny." According to your argument, society controls the rules of the game, and we are the people who make up society so, again what are you doing to change the rules. People can vote, run for office, read and gather information. This applies to all levels, so unless you are the president of some politically based organization, on campus, locally, state-wide, or nationally? We chose those people who make the rules.

The idea of following the crowd is in our nature. People do not want to be isolated from the majority because humans are naturally social. As I mentioned, everyone conforms to the norms somewhat, I know I do, especially if I agree with the norm.

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I understand what you are saying, but complacency is just an excuse to stay the same. I believe we've lost our handle on freedom, because we have been free for so long.

I could give a lot of examples, but I'll just deliver two.

+ We have this amazingly instant communication arena and information database, and the most popular subject searched for over the internet is porn. That should say a lot about the quality of modern man/woman.

+ Look at the number of eating disorders just on our campus. Men and women binge and purge or starve themselves out of their desire to 'be social.' Is it their right as Americans to choose this lifestyle? Or, are they caught in the rules of society? Free or trapped?

You're right, we are in control of the rules; however, it seems as if the rules control us just as much-- we (including me) are caught in this infinite loop that is perpetuated by our complacency, but at least I can admit it to myself and try to absolve it.