Every human being is born unique. The blend of parental chromosomes is different for every conception. This is evident in our physical traits, thought patterns, lifestyles and genetic makeup. We are so unique that no two people have the same thumb print. Homozygous (Identical) twins growing up together tend to develop different traits with age. It's becoming commonplace to find contrasting facial spots and lifestyles among them.
However, there's a tendency for humans to have role models. These models serve as guides for character, business or career development. Many youths unwittingly set out to imitate their role models in most aspects of life. In this information technology age, people's lifestyles tend to be influenced by celebrities and public figures. It gets to the point that some followers tailor all their actions to conform with that of their role models. This gives rise to the bandwagon effect or 'follow follow' in Nigerian parlance. It's more obvious where these models enjoy
worldwide publicity.
It's okay to be as successful as your models or adopt some traits. Using their experiences to guide your professional development is also proper. It is however criminal to lose your individuality in the process. No matter how hard you try, you can't become your role model. Some copy hairstyles, dress codes and habits. Others go as far as endorsing every their every action and speech, fighting or insulting dissenting voices. This is extreme. The bandwagon effect also extends to folks with the group mentality. This class of people lack personal convictions and hardly take decisions alone. Basically, their friends decide for them. This is pitiable.
There's a thin line between passionate followers and fanatics. The increased rates of terrorism, nudity, electoral violence, drug abuse and illicit sex can be attributed to faster news dissemination and the 'hollywood' lifestyle. The moment you lose your capacity to make choices in the name of conformity, your value as a human starts to depreciate. No person, opinion or trend should take that choice away from you. That's what differentiates man from the lower animals. Aspire to be the best YOU rather than a cheap imitation of someone else. Shalom.
However, there's a tendency for humans to have role models. These models serve as guides for character, business or career development. Many youths unwittingly set out to imitate their role models in most aspects of life. In this information technology age, people's lifestyles tend to be influenced by celebrities and public figures. It gets to the point that some followers tailor all their actions to conform with that of their role models. This gives rise to the bandwagon effect or 'follow follow' in Nigerian parlance. It's more obvious where these models enjoy
worldwide publicity.
It's okay to be as successful as your models or adopt some traits. Using their experiences to guide your professional development is also proper. It is however criminal to lose your individuality in the process. No matter how hard you try, you can't become your role model. Some copy hairstyles, dress codes and habits. Others go as far as endorsing every their every action and speech, fighting or insulting dissenting voices. This is extreme. The bandwagon effect also extends to folks with the group mentality. This class of people lack personal convictions and hardly take decisions alone. Basically, their friends decide for them. This is pitiable.
There's a thin line between passionate followers and fanatics. The increased rates of terrorism, nudity, electoral violence, drug abuse and illicit sex can be attributed to faster news dissemination and the 'hollywood' lifestyle. The moment you lose your capacity to make choices in the name of conformity, your value as a human starts to depreciate. No person, opinion or trend should take that choice away from you. That's what differentiates man from the lower animals. Aspire to be the best YOU rather than a cheap imitation of someone else. Shalom.
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