Humans are social animals. We function better in a group and long for contact with others the same way we carve for food and water. Indeed, the need to belong to a group, is not just a requirement to thrive, but moreso to survive. Our core identity as an individual is intricately tied to that of our social status.
Even the most individualistic, egoistic and chauvinist male you can think of, still wants to feel loved and accepted by others. Think about the world's most cruel leaders like Hitler, Stalin, Indi Amie; who craved the love and acceptance of the people they governed, however pretentious such affection might be.
We are, all of us, a product of the society we live in. We think, talk, dress, marry and behave like those around us. The norms and standards of the place we live dictates most, if not all of our actions. And though we sometimes rebel and fight against some of these societal norms, we are more often than not, if we're being totally honest with ourselves, under its very potent grip.
Recently, I had to break-up a romantic affair with someone because I was worried, among other things, of what people might say. And when I mean ‘people’ I'm referring to friends and family. The funny thing is, I used to pride myself on often being different from the crowd.
The ‘herd mentality’ is not only prevalent in the animal kingdom but also in the world of humans. We value what others think and say about us no matter how educated, rich or self-sufficient we are. In fact, the higher you go in the social hierarchy, the more you try to please and fit-in. Because to act otherwise or contrary is to be seen and treated as an outcast, and that's a price only few are willing to pay.
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