Non-conformity

Non-conformity is determined by the society surrounding each individual, and what is considered to go against the beliefs of the community. In reality, there really is no such thing as non-conformity. If an individual classifies themselves as a non-conformist, than they are putting themselves into a category that undoubtedly has its own stereotypical boundaries and activities. This is clearly demonstrated throughout the movie Fight Club, as they all decide to go against the normal practices of society, but in turn join a group with more rules and regulations tha than community they were getting away from.

Every individual who engaged in the Fight club, seemed to feel a thrill from what the club stood for. It was secretive, it was manly, they could show their strengths and feel as though they were a part of a club which was not conforming to everything they were taught to live by, but instead made their own rules. A guilty pleasure, an escape from reality, something they could feel great pleasure to be a part of. They were non-conformists, as it would seem. It was this excitement that created so many dedicated followers. With this, however, came a community which became more conformed than that of their previous life styles.

In order to even join the Fight Club, rules had to be followed. "Rule number one, we do not talk about fight club, rule number two, we do not talk about fight club" and the list went on. Even in a state of breaking laws and boundaries bestowed upon by society, participates were immediately hit with additional rules and regulations to follow. By the end of the movie, these rules were so embedded that even the leader could not ask questions or stray outside of the clubs boundaries. When tyler would simply ask what project mayhem was, he would be told that the first rule to project mayhem was you don't talk about project meyhem. Even he, the leader and creator of the rules, was not allowed to stray. Their extremity to the non-conformist life style created ultimate conformity. Each individual had to do as the others, had to follow the same guidelines and have the same outlook on their activities. When Tyler did not agree with project mayhem, they immediately took action against him, attempting to chop off his balls. It did not matter that he was the leader, their rules were so followed that even he was in danger by breaking them.They may have been going against what the rest of the world believed in, but within their community they could not go against a single detail. This is the complete opposite of what is pictured when stating the word "non-conformity".

No matter what the scenario is, it is truly impossible to get away from conformity. Even saying "I am a non-conformist", is conforming to the idea of what that entails, and classifying oneself into a group of similar minds and boundaries. This movie has many scenes which shows the depth of each individuals desire be non-conformists, breaking rules and go agents society, yet unknowingly going against that very notion.