Independence by definition is separation from others. Liberalism is independence from conformity. So then, can one who is liberal have like-minded friends? Therefore, is liberalism attainable?
This ultimately brings up the question; who am I? I guess that’s what i’m in uni for…stereotypical eh? But then again, is it conformist to go to school? Watch TV? Wear clothes? What about speaking Swa?
I ask myself, why is it I feel inclined to vibe in Swa with Kenyans in uni, whereas I barely spoke Sheng back at home? Why is it I gravitate towards dark skinned people, barely noticing lighter skinned people I met just hours ago? Is this me being racist, or insecurity? conformity even?
Some time back I asked a friend why they put on an accent every time he talked to an American, to which he replied, “I’m tired of constantly being asked to repeat myself, and if I’m from Africa.” Instantly, I remember the tens of conversations I’d had in the last few hours, all of which centred around my pet lion who I advise in his kingly reign.
It was then I realised the purpose of conformity.
*I liked the way tHiNkEr’S rOoM (and everyone else) did this so…
Jill Scott – Long Walk
Regina Spektor – Fidelity
Erykah Badu – Didn’t Cha Know
