Non-Conformity in Mainstream Pop Culture

By: Ian Peyghambary

“In your own stars, you’ll shine like no one else”

Every interest has its infinite array of niche subcultures. Consider the most obscure metal genres, all the way to the newest alternative aesthetics. Every person’s interests and identities come together to form an infinitely deep celestial pool of aesthetics and cultures. Icons in the universe of pop-culture have expressed exactly who they are and they’re not ashamed of it. Just like these figures, we should be embracing our own non-conformist notions – in our own stars.

Individuals can find comfort in their own weirdness by connecting to pop-culture icons who share similar demeanors and interests. Consider Björk, an icon who has always identified her image in how weird she is. She has one of the largest followings in alternative music worldwide – why? Because people can connect to her fashions and quirks. The art she makes reflects herself and the message she wants to put out to the earth.

Many will go against the status quo to feel comfortable in their own skin. Look towards the goths and how well they stand out. The truth for many of them is that through their macabre fashion and elaborate eyeliner, they become most comfortable in who they are. By delving into music and a black hole of darkness they feel right, and establish an identity through their fashion. Think of Siouxsie Sioux, a textbook goth icon who expresses her coolness through her sweet flowy dance moves all dressed in black.

It’s all about self expression, to find comfort in non-conformity. The places where people can establish their uniqueness and express it are of most importance to the individual. In a galaxy with an infinite amount of interests, every topic can be unique to everyone else’s weirdness.