Awareness
Why Do We Blindly Follow Societal Norms That Aren’t Meant for Everyone?
Have you ever stopped to ask yourself why we do the things we do? Why we follow certain rules, traditions, or paths without questioning them?
Most of the time, we don’t question anything because we are not taught to. And even when we do question, it’s often ignored or answered in such a way that doesn’t truly satisfy our curiosity. As children, we are naturally curious, always questioning the world around us. But slowly, our parents, teachers, and society at large push us into a predefined system. A system that is comfortable, yet limiting.
The Suppression of Curiosity
In our society, questioning is rarely appreciated. Children begin to feel that no one listens or values their curiosity, and that finding real answers involves too much struggle. So, they give up. They stop asking questions. They adjust. And instead of carving their own unique path, they end up following the one laid out by others.
But let’s not be quick to place blame. Even the so-called parents, teachers, and relatives who impose these norms on us were once in the same position. They, too, were given a life script that they passed down to us. So, it’s no surprise that they repeat the same cycle.
A Life Already Written
This life script—the one that tells us to study, get a job, get married, have kids, check their education, marry them off, play with grandchildren, and then die—may seem like an easy path to follow. But in reality, it kills creativity and innovation, not just for the individual, but for society as a whole.
I often ask myself: What’s the point of living a life that mirrors everyone else’s? When I think about it in terms of animals, I don’t see much difference. Sure, we study, we work, we make money—but isn’t it all about survival in the end?
If we are gifted with higher intelligence, surely we weren’t meant to just survive, right? Imagine being a superhero with special powers and still living the same powerless life as everyone else. Sounds foolish, doesn’t it? Yet, that’s exactly what we’re doing.
Reflecting on Our Childhood Passions
Now, pause for a moment and think about this: What were you good at as a child?
I remember a time when I was deeply connected to my creativity. My art, my craft—I can’t explain how fulfilling it felt. But as I moved through school, especially during the 9th and 10th grades, that passion began to fade. It didn’t disappear completely, but it became buried, unused. I got so caught up in studying that the essence of who I was—my natural gift—began to get lost.
The Regret in Later Life
Thankfully, I caught myself before that passion faded entirely. But for many, this realization only comes in later stages of life. They’ve achieved everything society expected—money, respect, and family—but deep down, they feel something’s missing. There’s a quiet voice within that asks, Wasn’t there something more I was meant to do?
Many of us know deep inside what truly excites us, what truly drives us, but we suppress it due to societal pressure. Instead, we opt for the predictable, safer path. And when we look back, often near the end of our lives, regret can be overwhelming.
Challenging Societal Beliefs
Have you ever wondered why we believe certain things? Why do we hold onto deep-rooted societal ideas and beliefs without ever questioning them?
For example:
A boy should never cry, and a girl should never be too bold.
A stable government job is always better than pursuing your dream.
Mental health issues are just overthinking.
A divorced woman is considered a failure, but an unhappy married woman is just “adjusting.”
Pursuing social service or art as a career is impractical.
A man’s success is only measured by his salary.
Respecting elders means never questioning them, even when they’re wrong.
If everyone’s doing it, it must be the right thing.
Why do we believe these things without ever asking why? Why can’t a man be soft-spoken and still strong? Why can’t someone build a meaningful life by following a path less traveled? Why can’t a woman live unmarried and still feel whole? Why does respect have to come from age and not from the heart?
Awareness and Reflection
Somewhere deep inside, even our hearts question these societal norms. Yet, we suppress that inner voice. The key to breaking free is awareness—being aware of our true desires and the pressures that shape our actions. God didn’t send us all on the same journey. Each of us has a unique mission. We only grow when we start asking the right questions.
Awareness is crucial, not just for our own growth, but for everyone around us as well. We need to pause, reflect, and help others do the same.
Questions to Ask Yourself:
Am I really living my life, or just the life expected of me?
What did I love doing as a child that I’ve forgotten about?
Do I truly believe the things I follow, or am I just afraid to stand out?
If money, judgment, and fear didn’t exist, what would I be doing right now?
When was the last time I made a choice based on inner peace, rather than outer pressure?
What does success mean to me—not to society?
You don’t need to have all the answers at once. You just need to start asking the questions. That’s where awareness begins.