Conventional is a good fallback position isn’t it

Conventional.  What does this mean?  I know conventional as being related to words such as conservative, conformist, straight, predictable.  A proper definition of conventional from Wikipedia are as follows:  “A convention is a set of agreed, stipulated or generally accepted standards, norms, social norms or criteria, often taking the form of a custom”.

Having the background and the heritage of both French Huguenots and “Boere” and being an Afrikaans South African, I grew up with certain rules, guidelines or a proper way of doing … well, stuff.  This is a very stiff culture – you either do something this way or you are frowned upon by the older generation.  I guess this is starting to change with the new Afrikaans generation making its mark.  Personally I think it is quite sad, as there are great morals and values which are now being completely lost.  But, enough about that, it’s a whole other topic.

I think someone not acting in a conventional manner can be described as a rebel.  A rebel is daring, unique, an individual trying to make a mark in society – this is how I see a rebel.  Why shake hands the conventional manner when greeting a stranger when you can just, well, hug him or her?  Why drive on the right side of the road, why not the left?  Why work when you are done studying instead of becoming a beach bum? 

It is just SO easy for us to fall back into our conventional manner when we are uncomfortable.  We lose our uniqueness.  Don’t take the easy escape road of quickly changing to conventional.

Come ON, BE a Rebel!!