Anticonformism

The term anticonformism (from anti, against, and conformist) denotes behaviors and actions undertaken by a human being for the purpose of inducing shock in or spiting society.^[1] The term can be easily confused with "non-conformism". The anticonformist is often an individualist (derived from the Latin word dividere, meaning to "split" or "separate"), and is "separated" from the masses.

Philosophy

Anticonformism is a philosophy rejecting adherence to the societal status quo. Anticonformists believe that conformity is responsible for many of the world's ills and problems, and often equate pressures to conform with cultural bigotry. It is the opposite of conformism, and opposes standards of relevant established practices (sometimes in a hostile manner).

Societal norms function as references or rules for standard behavior. Individuals who deviate from such norms are often perceived to be abnormal, or even pathologically deviant. André Gide, a 20th-century French writer, stated, "Every non-compliant thought is suspect."

An anticonformist may also be seen a resistant or rebel. In his essay "The Conformism of Subversion", philosopher Pascal Bruckner systematically critiqued modern society and, more particularly, mass media and advertising.

Pierre Bourdieu emphasized the conformity and homogenization of thought conveyed by most media.

References

See also

• Critical theory
• Cynicism (philosophy)
• Freethought