The concept of isolation

Wonder why the rich get richer, and it feels as though the poor are constantly being punished?

The acceptance standard for the rich is quite high (after that you must have classed the standards: the poor, the middle class, and the rich). What the society of the rich will then do is isolate the others as a means of punishment in itself. What then are the misfits punished for? Why then do people get attacked for being misfits?

Social Acceptance and Individuality

The Dichotomy of Social Standards

The notion of social acceptance serves as a double-edged sword in the fabric of our society. On one hand, it fosters a sense of belonging and unity among individuals who adhere to its norms. On the other, it mercilessly isolates and punishes those deemed as misfits, for the mere act of deviating from its unwritten codes. This punitive approach raises pivotal questions about the nature of the ‘crimes’ committed by these so-called misfits.

The African Context of Belonging

In the African cultural landscape, the pressure to conform is accompanied by a communal desire to include those who align with societal norms. This inclusion, albeit selective, highlights a paradoxical blend of acceptance and exclusion based on one's ability to "dance to the African tune." The consequence is a societal echo chamber, where dissenting voices are hushed and non-conformity is scorned.

The Global Phenomenon of Social Commentary

This phenomenon, however, is not restricted to any one culture or geography. The digital age has globalized the arena of social commentary, enabling individuals worldwide to cast judgment with a tap on their screens. Without the necessity for factual accuracy or empathy, opinions are formed and voiced with unprecedented ease, often disregarding the context or personal struggles of those at the receiving end.

The Power of Individual Resilience

Amidst this societal pressure to conform, the mark of true defiance lies in the resilience to remain unfazed by the judgment of society. It beckons the individual to introspect – to choose between yielding to societal pressure or forging one’s path based on personal convictions. Historical progress owes itself to those audacious enough to defy societal norms, reminding us that evolution, both personal and collective, is fueled by the courage to be different.

Conclusion

Society, with its capacity to both uplift and ostracize, presents a conundrum that requires careful navigation. The choice to let it either "make or break" us is profoundly personal and invariably consequential. In the pursuit of social acceptance, one must not lose sight of the essence of individuality, for it is in our unique differences that humanity’s true potential is realized.

I like to see the concept of social acceptance as a cultural phenomenon. As Africans generally we have an unspoken obligation to feel among, and an unspent responsibility to make people who impress, live, or set a standard slightly above ours feel among. The culture around the African space dictates that anyone who is not dancing to the African tune is cast out, regardless of what they must have done before then. The news goes down and facts get filtered, people now have opinions about everything. They just don't care to know what you are going through, several people will then lack context and somehow this has developed. In the modern world, people still exhibit the same socio-cultural behaviors linked with social acceptance. They just want to "comment" on the next big news trending-even when they have little or no information about the said topic of discussion. It is easy you can just pick up your phone, look for that post, and type something in the comment section.

Several people reading this must have failed at something, yet here we are. At that point where we failed, Society didn't approve of it. The question is then "Are you bold or self-conscious enough to take the right steps or are you still living in the grandeur of delusions."? Society is and always will be a factor that will make or break your life. The question is, will you let it make or break you? And if you are conscious enough, your mind will be clear and you will know what you want to do and become. If all lives were dictated by society, humans never would have evolved.