Monkey See, Monkey Do
The disturbing trend of conformity in teenagers rears its ugly head more violently than usual in our oddly success-driven institution this year, with fewer and fewer colorful characters trekking through our little suburban microcosm. I wish it were merely disappointing. True, in and of itself it is just that, but its echoes create a haunting suspicion in all who stop to ponder what tomorrow may bring, or the day after. Conformity with regards to appearance or even idiosyncrasies may not be quite so dangerous; however, what we see more and more of is conformity in manner and thought--a persistent fear that any and all ideas that reach beyond your neighbor's must not be worth voicing. The result? The classrooms become a breeding ground for fearful silence and mute incomprehension. But then, there is the unavoidable question: does it even matter?
