The Randomness of Social Norms

What does the prom represent in most people’s eyes? In short, conclusion of youth. As it concludes high school life, it is one of the most representative memories of one’s youth. People say, it’s a right of passage. Many times, I have heard people say, that eventually, as time passes, you will forget everything that teachers have taught you in class, but moments like prom, for example, will last forever. In order to make this memory the best and most lasting one, you have to dress up nicely. Uniforms won’t do and are considered unacceptable in most people’s eyes. This, I also do not understand.

For anyone who spends six hours in classes every day, that the success of someone’s youth, their high school life, is dependent on their prom dress or popularity instead of personal advancements in class, for example, is hard for me to accept. This way of thinking among students is heart-breaking, in my opinion. Many under-value school and personal advancement and consider the conventional rites of passage more important.

I now quote my favourite light novel and anime character Hikigaya Hachiman, who said, “The youth, in this sense, is a lie; it is evil. Those who sing of such youth are positive about everything.” When students make the decision to vape or smoke, they consider it the norm and it is accepted amongst their peers. So many are affected by these views, that these views have become a social norm.

So I thought: How can I show my disapproval against such thoughts? By ignoring the social norms at some of the most “youthful” occasions. For example, wearing my uniform at the prom.

Some might also say, “If you can’t change the world, change yourself first.” This is also called conformity. If you recall Alicia’s speech, you know what I am talking about. Another thought is: “If it is so common a thing, why not be like everyone else?” Your integrity is not dependent on other’s opinions, but purely on one’s own faith. As Kant once said, “There are only two things in the world, which the more I reflect upon them, the increasing awe I have for them: the starry sky above me, and the moral laws within me.” We must stand firmly and not deviate from our moral laws, despite great disagreement.

What I want to conclude with today, is that no matter where you are in the future, please hold on to your faith, and never forget about integrity.