The psychologists make a whole great big deal about conformity and non-conformity. On my psychology course I was called the only non-conformist there, as if to insult me to get me to collapse on a given premise, but I stuck by what I believed in. Don't get me wrong. I will admit when I am wrong and apologise but this particular scenario the whole group was willing to believe it simple because it came from someome who was more educated than they (supposedly). It was easy for me having never been a tide swimmer but...

I have wondered, if I had to not conform in a rehime wgere my ideas could cost me my life, would I feel so free to express them? I think I would be a coward and keep my mouth firmly sealed.

Living in a country with basic free speech gives one a release to speak one's mind. It's nice to be able to do so. It's not brave in such a country though we only got those rights through others being brave.

To do it in a country where you would be hated, villified and maybe put to death... is just outright brave and goes beyond anything I could do. The name Mandela comes to mind... and maybe not too long ago Martin Luther King.

I am only non-conformist because I live in a free society mostly. Your point is a good one Crow Sister

mp