A Case for Nonconformity

“Today’s marketplace requires that we begin to think outside of the box.” These are the exact words that I heard in a recent telephone conversation with a leasing manager concerning the non-conventional use of space in the mall.

This, however, is no new observation. In fact, many are achieving great success by teaching people how to “think outside of the box.” The process is labeled with more sophisticated terminology such as: paradigm shifts or reframing our world view. Nevertheless, the same results are intended.

In short, there is a need for “un-doing the culture of conformity,” which far too often slows or hinders our progress into new frontiers. Japanese auto makers provide a classic example of why this is needed. In recent years, these massive corporations have out-done their competitors the world over, when it comes to identifying and rapidly filling new market niches. This is not only true in the marketplace; but it is a valuable principle to be applied to ones whole life.

In the event that there is a skeptic in the room who is asking, “Why should we consider this “Case for Non-Conformity?” let me offer a couple of suggestions:

(1) Many established practices and beliefs were adopted by default by the uniformed.

Perhaps it would it be more accurate to say: Many established practices and beliefs were adopted by de’ fault of the uninformed. I have a friend whose parents are avowed atheistic communists. He was taught and for many years believed that all religious people were “mental marshmallows” who had no reasoning capacity. Christians were especially ridiculed, because, as his parents taught him, Christians believe that “the Bible is correct when it says that the earth is flat.”

When this individual reached adulthood and read the Bible for himself, he learned that this was misinformation. It was the fact that he had been given this misinformation that prompted him to begin questioning the practices and beliefs that he had been raised with. Now, he is a Bible-believing Christian.

(2) What is hot today will likely be cold tomorrow.

I read recently that American culture is undergoing change at a higher rate than ever previously experienced. One researcher of national renown indicates that our culture completely changes every five years. Amazingly, faith communities typically require a forty year process for the adaptation of new ministry models. Most businesses that do not respond rapidly and adapt accordingly are forced to have a “Going-Out-Of-Business” sale.

Awareness of the potential pitfall of being one step behind current trends is essential. However, this alone is no assurance that the vast chasms of change will not swallow us up. What is needed is for the courageous to muster unmitigated audacity to challenge the status quo. Instead of being pulled here and there by the latest trends we need to be trend-setters. Many will be followers. Only the courageous few who are not constricted by a compulsion to conform will avoid being swept away by the avalanche of unexpected change.

So, is there a case for non-conformity? I believe the answer is a resounding, “Yes!” First, there is the potential that the beliefs and practices to which we subscribe are based upon misinformation. Furthermore, if these are based upon accurate information, this truth will only become clearer under the microscope of scrutiny.

Second, I believe there is a case for non-conformity, since what is popular today, could well be tomorrow’s “Has-Beens.” We’re not here to be pushed around by the currents. As the mountain trout faces the current for the feast which is to come, so must we be willing to swim up-stream! Remember the only fish that floats down stream is a dead fish, but it is conforming to the power of the rushing stream on its body!

Indeed, the world in which we live requires that we think outside of the box, which is another way of saying: Nonconformity! 

© Bill Williams
2008.09.28