Who You Should Be

Photo by Andrea De Santis on Unsplash‍ ‍

Social pressures are always pushing us down whether we realize it or not. We are instructed to conform from day one even though there isn’t a single thing we can do about it at that age. As we mature, we are conditioned to believe certain things, to act certain ways and to follow certain rules. Don’t dress like that or people will think you’re a freak. You need to wear makeup, or no one will think you’re pretty. If you’re a guy you can’t hug your male friends because people will think you’re gay. You need the latest item, or you are perceived as poor. Society is all about telling you who you should be and how you should act. That way they can sell you the latest gadget, fashion, or accessory because if they keep you confused about who you really are, then you will always be on a search to prove you are just as good and worthy as all the other sheep.

— Nicole Barden 3/12/2022