The Black Sheep

I recently came across some commentary that amused me. It amuses me because it's a perfect example of something I find to be a pet peeve. There are a great number of people out there that seem to have some form of aversion towards "conformity". This opposition is apparently directed to any and all forms of societal trends, whether it be clothing, music or, hey, a commercial. The issue I take is this...just because you don't watch television, you only read certain books or listen to certain music, take solace in the lyrics of some obscure artist, find comfort in random art or choose to have your "own" sense of style...that DOES NOT make you any more "enlightened" than myself. You are your own person, congratulations, so am I. In other words, just because you don't like the television shows I'm a fan of or like the music I choose to listen to, you are none the wiser. I do not make myself out to be more than I am, unlike many of these so-called non-conformists, seems like it's a personal issue. Of course, I'm not suggesting anyone SHOULD like television or a particular author, etc, I'm just saying that I don't choose to like something because the "masses" like it, I choose it for myself...but thanks for playing. Do I sound bitter? I might be. I remember once when someone actually had the audacity to say, to my face no less, that if people like Disney, they are conforming...my response, "Just because you've never been, doesn't give you the right to hate on me." Sure, it was a juvenile response, as if I was better than this person because I had been to Walt Disney World, but still, why is it that animated tales of magic for children are suddenly ridiculed because it has a history in our society? I for one think it's spectacular, why you ask? It is because it helps children to use their imagination instead of their imagination being inhibited by those either providing a continuous stream of stimuli or telling them that having an imagination is a waste...so there. Walt Disney is quoted as saying, "The era we are living in today is a dream coming true" it actually speaks the truth right? I know, that was a bit of a rant, I'll step off that soap box and back on the other LOL. Basically all I'm saying is this, and I'm well aware I've said it before but here goes...to be a "non-conformist" means you are conforming to something. Afterall, were you to say "conforming" Americans are all sheep, I will just say...a BLACK sheep is STILL a part of the herd. Like it or leave it.