Non-Conformity
The tenet of non-conformity plays an integral part in much of the transcendentalist movement. Representing the edge of transcendentalism, non-conformity helps to provide more of a direct definition between those who seem to lead a life reflecting the tenets and those who fail to do so. Non-conformity is usually expressed in modern culture by a general attitude of originality and an aversion to the ordinary. Such sentiments are common among the adolescent crowd, as the majority of that demographic is troubled with trying to find a place in the world and the knowledge that your own methodologies and choices are of primary importance can serve as a source of comfort. Overall, the principle of non-conformity serves as the backbone for individualism and other tenets of transcendentalism by providing the rulings for a strong sense of originality and individuality.
Fight Club
Fight Club, a movie based on the novel by Chuch Palahniuk, directed by David Fincher and released in 1999 dealt with the issues of consumerism and mob mentality. What begins as a method of coping with his insomnia and conformist tendencies, the nameless protagonist attends multiple self-help therapy sessions ranging from diabetes to testicular cancer. However, upon meeting devil-may-care soap maker Tyler Durden, our main character begins to see the wild side of life, living on the edge of civilization and scoffing at society. After starting a secret fight club consisting of mostly anonymous businessmen, Tyler begins to take more and more control over the lives of the protagonist, as well as a cult of anarchists which Tyler reared from the fight club's members. As the main character learns more about the mysterious Tyler Durden, he learns that the only way to save himself is to regain control over his own life and thoughts.
Durden's offsettingly accurate philosophy about life leads the viewers to question their own role in the great machine that is America's consumeristic society. The gradual shift from agreeable social theory to extremist cult begs the audience to decide where they are to draw their own lines, and what those lines might mean about themselves and their interpretation of humanity itself.
Tyler's isolationist attitude is reminiscent of Thoreau's essay "Civil Disobedience", as it is evident in both pieces that the mechanics of society are proven to lie in the people and their decisions.
Durden's offsettingly accurate philosophy about life leads the viewers to question their own role in the great machine that is America's consumeristic society. The gradual shift from agreeable social theory to extremist cult begs the audience to decide where they are to draw their own lines, and what those lines might mean about themselves and their interpretation of humanity itself.
Tyler's isolationist attitude is reminiscent of Thoreau's essay "Civil Disobedience", as it is evident in both pieces that the mechanics of society are proven to lie in the people and their decisions.
Punk Rock
The principles of the Punk Rock movement, having started in the 1970's and carried on from then, are mainly defined as being a non-conforming subculture of music that targeted the re-energization of rock n' roll, having become a relatively tame genre at the time. The new sound was actively embraced by a new population of societal rejects and confused adolescents, who took the new movement as a way to rationalize their own shortcomings and social inhibitions. As the mowhawks, black nail polish, and tight pants became more and more common, it became apparent that a new culture of misfits was emerging, and they were now proud of their differences and troubles with the conventional American "system".
Now a days, bands like Green Day, the Ramones, and the Sex Pistols tend to reflect these principles in their rough sound and abrasive lyricism.
Now a days, bands like Green Day, the Ramones, and the Sex Pistols tend to reflect these principles in their rough sound and abrasive lyricism.