GAMSAT

Section

II

Task

I would often like to think that we are born in an era where we are bestowed with the gift of the freedom
of choice; we are able to diverge from the precedents of conformity and create things truly characteristic
of us as individuals. However, this right which we pertain to is not something that is shared in
commonality with those who came before us; each and one of us should consider ourselves as
privileged individuals, as we are able to govern our own lives in the mannerism which we wish for. I am
ever so grateful to live in a time where I am able to showcase my individuality and aspirations, but yet, I
would still ponder at times what life would be in a time of total conformity and restriction; a life that is,
without
any
freedom.
Growing up, I would always remember myself to be the rebellious child who crazed over the ideas of
breaking any rules set against me. At that time, it felt as if conformity seemed like nothing but a
conspiracy to strip me away from my individuality and create a clone of my many other peers.
However, with growing age and maturity, I came to realize that conformity shouldnt be mistaken as a
compromise of freedom, but rather a malleable template which aids in in shaping a future of our own. As
individuals, we are encouraged to pursue the notion of self-identity and originality but this does not
mean that we should abandon and dismiss the values and knowledge of those whom existed before us.
In our current generation, it seems as if we are perceiving conformity as being that which compromises
self-identity and originality. Conformity is not a deal-with-devil, but rather, it is learning to accept and
acknowledge the successful events before and work on it to provide something that is improved and in
the process self-fulfilling. Nowadays, technological and scientific advances are made more frequently
than what would have been observed many centuries ago; the individuals who contribute to these
successes do not dismiss the ideals set before them, they simply add to these ideals and in doing so,
create
what
is
truly
original.
If I were to bring the concept of conformity and originality down to a more microscopic it is evident that
we conform to the rules set by our country because we cannot deny the power in which conformity has
in bringing order and stability to our daily lives. As teenagers, we conform to the rules set by our schools
and parents; although we may be in denial at the time, but as we grow up, we understand that
conforming to the likes of law, rules, or education has helped to establish the content and values needed
for us to thrive in the future. Although it may seem that conforming to the norms is a mere demonstration
of lacking individuality; we should understand, as individuals, we are all entitled to govern a life of our
own. We should not judge nor condemn an individual for pursuing a life which we perceive as being
ordinary; as individuals, our beliefs and values will vary, and it is of utmost important that we learn to
acknowledge this inter-individual variability and embrace the differences amongst our peers. My parents
immigrated to New Zealand when I was of an age of three years old to pursue a lifestyle which they
deemed to be ideal for our family. In doing so, my father and my mother sacrificed many cherished
aspects of their lives in order for me to experience a well nurtured and liberal life. My parents have
conformed to a lifestyle which may have been initially foreign and abstract to them; they did not resent
against such a life, but rather they learned to embrace what was given to them and with that were
rewarded
with
a
sense
of
new
founded
comfort
and
happiness.

We speak of the notions of conformity and originality in a such a commonplace tone that we almost tend
to forget how there used to exist a time in modern society where people werent governed by their own
will and freedom. I was always curious yet fearful of how life would become if I were to governed in a
such a world where my choices were rehearsed and instructed by the wills of other. George Orwells
1984 is a novel which perfectly depicts a life under such circumstances. The characters in the novel
perfectly illustrate the need for a balance between freedom and guidance; the totalitarian government of
the Big Brother engulfed every last bit of self-identity from its people, leaving nothing but soulless
carcasses. Although this scenario is totally hypothetical and fictional, it serves to remind us how we
should not pursue any extremities, but rather, the importance lies in the fact that we need to find the
equilibrium to what we desire.
Till this day, Orwells depiction of the consequential events following a totalitarian dictatorship and
complete conformity has left in a state of mind where I can appreciate this era which I am able to live in.
For me, I am still able to dream big and pursue the things which I regard as cherishing and self-worthy,
more importantly, I now regard the act of conforming with a new light; by conforming I am not becoming
inferior to those with enterprise, but rather I am extracting the knowledge of those who preceded me and
making something that is truly of self-identify. Life should not be lived in a unipolar manner, we must
seek to establish a balance that is tailored to our very self.