SOCIETY, OR YOU?

I have a question.

Scenario: I went out and came back home. The following conversation ensues with the parents. 
"good evening mom!"
"Hey, welcome back. How are ya?"
"Very well thank you!"
"good evening daddy!"
"sebaba! Welcome back! where did you go?"
"To see Derek." ***Not his real name.
One of the parents: "Shouldn't he be the one coming to see you?"

Fast forward to another scenario.

I was at a gallery show earlier this year, and the audience was critiquing a painting called "Orgao", greek word for "Orgasm". Lovely painting, very elaborate, intriguing and thought provoking. The only colours were white - which was the background, black and red. This one guy raised his hand and said "I don't like that the colours are black and red. Those colours are used to depict evil things.

Ok. Done with scenarios now. 

       It's a mans world. Guys ask girls out. The man is the bread winner and the woman is domestic. Fuck, shit, damn, are all swear words. Christianity is the right religion. No wait. Its actually Islam. Or hold up. Make it Buddhism. If you invite me out, you pay the bill. Or better still, let's split it. Men are presidents, women are anything but that. Its okay for girls to say "I love you" to each other, but guys better not be gay with that shit. Guys shouldn't cry. That's not very manly. Its rap music or hard rock. If you listen to RnB or soul music, you're some sort of sissy. You're still a virgin? at 23? Awwwww, poor thing!

Who says though? Society, or you? - That is my question.


      We are born into a very demanding world; one that comes with its own principles. Everyone should know that. However, I think one part we constantly fail to remember is that as much as this world has its own principles, we are born with choices. Our own, personal choices. Society has definitely informed our various cultures and lifestyles, and that's okay, but is it okay to let it inform every aspect of our lives? I'm not trying to make you agree with me. I'm just trying to make you think.       
       Half of the time people do stuff, its because of the people around them, or because that's the norm. Everyone has a sense of independence and discernment, and there is nothing wrong with exercising that. Society makes it look like you go with it, or you suck. Is this true? Absolutely, but only for those who believe it. You are allowed to inform who you are. You CAN inform who you are. But the only way to do it is to separate your principles and values from that of the society. If your beliefs line up with the society's, great! But if the society informs your idea of wrong and right, what to do and what not to do, then take a moment to evaluate things.
       I don't think I should wait for someone to come and see me cause he's male. If we are great friends, what really does gender matter? If red and black are in a painting, why does it have to be evil? Why can't it just be the artists choice of colour? Look at it this way. If everyone started living by themselves apart from society, do you realise that you wont have to care what someone thinks about your actions? Cause basically, no one would give a shit. (If you somewhere in your head, thought I just swore, you're the kind of person I'm addressing). People wont be as judgmental as they are now, and you wont be afraid to look less than someone else. This independence and individuality when it comes to principles and values will greatly weaken the holds of peer pressure, and the need to fit in.        
       Easier said than done, I know. But its easier done than thought when you actually start from somewhere. They say diamonds are a girls best friend. I say it could be tanzanite or pearls. They say its polite to hold the door for a woman. I say if you get to the door first, hold it. They say men ask girls out. I say if you want it, go get it. They say a respectful man doesn't hit a girl. I say any respectful person keeps their hands to themselves.        
       I could go on and on, and honestly, you don't have to agree with what "I say". What I'm saying in essence is this. Society dictates nothing to me. I make my own rules. Think about it.

That's all about society, or you...as i do it.         

~***shanpepe***~