N is for Nonconformist

N is for nonconformist.

I like this word and what it stands for, but probably not for the reasons you would expect. 

No, I like this particular word because it basically self destructs the moment it is used. 

I like that. 

It won't be put in a box. 

 

The dictionary defines it as; 

one who does not conform to, or refuses to be bound by, accepted beliefs, customs, or practices. 

 

But, in denying accepted beliefs, customs and practices...you are often thrown into a different set of beliefs, customs and practices designed to keep the nonconformist label. 

It is not about what you wear, or the music you listen to. 

Unless you follow the South Park definition, "If you want to be one of the nonconformists all you have to do is dress just like us and listen to the same music we do"

 

I will attempt to explain a bit here...scatterbrained individuals like myself sometimes succeed in being nonconformist by accident. Failing to understand or recognize what is accepted or  expected is a good way to show your nonconformist tendencies. 

 

Case in point: today was a Super Hero birthday party for my nephew. He is turning six and is obsessive about Super Heroes. In fact, on the phone with him the other day, he called me Aunt Wonder Woman. Somehow this, combined with the rest of the conversation and my own warped brain led me to believe it would be a fun idea to show up at the birthday party dressed up. In fact I had my whole family dressed as different Super Heroes. I was Wonder Woman, minus the actual leotard...just a skirt with a red shirt, "official headband, wristlets, belt and cape."  My daughter was an adorable version of the Green Hornet, the other was cat woman followed by two masked crusaders. 

We bounded into the house in costume...only to be greeted by an extremely subdued and surprisingly mature crowd, kids included. Raised eyebrows and confused smirks met our ridiculous get ups. 

I misjudged, but decided I really didn't care. 

Nonconformists often look absurd to others.

 

Ting Tings Not My Name 

this post will self destruct in 5, 4, 3, 2 .....never...nope, not conforming to a countdown

in fact, this message lives on 

 

I "get" the irony of posting a nonconformist blog post on the proper day of the A to Z blogging challenge, but that's the beauty of the word, it is undefinable, competitively, obsessively blogging 

 my unique view of the world

cuz I can