The Ultimate Vampire Resource and Directory

Have you ever changed yourself, beliefs or lose the ones like you? To keep from losing your children, yourself, to keep a job, or to have peace of mind?

Did you fight it or did you become a sheep to keep what is dear to you?

Not meaning anything wrong with the term sheep. Just makes a dramatic statement.

Changed my look to more conservative, I thought, in order to have a career. It worked.

Changing what's on the outside does not change what's on the inside. You can look like everyone else and still not BE like everyone else.

If you change your beliefs to suit someone else, that brings about the obvious question...Did you really believe in the first place?

the only thing that i have ever really changed to get a job is my hair. my real hair now is black with red highlights. but i have started making wigs so that i can have the wild hair that i am know for as a dj but i can just take it off to sleep and get a "day job"

In certain situations, yes, when religion or politics are discussed at certain places with certain people, I have to close my mouth and pretend that I agree instead of saying it bluntly that I completely disagree with them.

I do it for survival, at a work placement one has to be cautious what to say, especially religion and politics so I choose to remain silent.

Life is full of compremises and sacrifice.If we dont compremise to a degree,we get nowhere.If we dont sacrifice ,for example for our children, then we end up with hurt neglected kids etc....
One really needs to move with the ebb and flow of life otherwise their in for a hard day to say the least.
Doing so does not mean one has become a sheep, or worse,that they have lost theirselves.

I don't think people are necessarily 'sheep' because they have to put a focus on a career vice highlight their individuality. Can you imagine what the Marines would look like if people were allowed to dye their hair blue? The mission would not get accomplished. Some people have to tone down their outward appearance so the job can be done... in this situation, a person needs to be able to be camouflaged in war time- even flashy watches aren't allowed.

As for your beliefs and personal practices- well... those are personal. You don't have to shout them from the rooftops. There is a time and a place for everything. Choose your social circles and find your time for healthy interaction and expression. For instance: walking into a daycare and reading porn to the kiddies is a bad move. Time and place for everything.

Most smart people realize that some things aren't widely accepted. They may choose these paths anyway, knowing the whole package that comes along with it. Be authentic, absolutely. But don't act shocked when someone different from you doesn't 'understand'. Hell, I don't understand caviar and have no qualms about gagging at people who are eating it.

If you enjoy being able to have an appearance that goes against the grain, you can choose your career accordingly. Start your own business, or... make your personality and dedication to your job outshine your 'visuals'. I know a lot of people that don't look the conventional part- that have risen to the cream of the crop. People will say, "Yeah, he may not look like it, but he's the guy to go to when you need something done." Some people can make things work. While others, they don't mind 'living' there is a time and a place for everything.

I totally agree with imagesinwords.

My last job we were allowed to dye our hair funky colors and I am known for doing so. We did however have to dress up and that I am NOT known for doing. lol. So I was the girl with the blue hair and the dress clothes. NOW however I am having to search for a new job so my hair is right back to brown. That doesn't mean I am hiding who I am, it means that I am clever enough to know that 95% of the time if you have blue hair, you are not going to get a job when interviewed. lol.

As far as my religion goes. I do not hide it, I just simply do not speak of it unless I am asked. I do not like having others press their beliefs on me if I did not ask them a question about it, so why would I in turn want to do the same to others. If someone asks me what I believe or anything related I will be glad to speak about it with them. However the exception is here in the forums. If someone has posted something and in order to make my post make sense in answering their post I have to state my religion I will then do (Doesn't happen to often.) Once, again I do not think that makes me a "sheep" or in hiding. I just simply have respect for myself and those around me to know when to speak up and when to not speak at all. Besides, sometimes with some people it is best to let them get to know you as a person and realize that you are a good person before you tell them what sort of beliefs you have if they are different from theirs. This way they KNOW you and not just about you.

I can see how some would call it " selling out".

Everyone adapts to some degree. Assuming roles to adjust to socual variables.

Those that impose strict compliance on others are suspect.

In California, a " long hair" "punkish" 19 yr old, can be found working a retail, or custom service job. Not so much in the south.

To adapt ones appearance is one matter, but to suppress ones philosopy, or belief, and feign another..

anyone devote to that belief/philosophy will be staking you out, awaiting a break that often gleans through in candor, again such individuals who "eye sheep" are suspect.

im a school teacher...so yes...
baaaaah.

i wont discuss politics except to say i mostly avoid discussing them anyway due to just not wanting to face battles with others that cannot agree to disagree...

baaaaaah.



for a while i wouldnt post on the forum as i didnt want to have to deal with ridicule...

baaaah....

oh well...at least im posting again! LOL

perhaps the sheeps clothing can come off of the Wolf.
~W~

lol... compromise to make yourself "fit in" with others...


Damn it all to hell.. I'm the black sheep..

Seriously, "to thine own self be true".. this is what matters in the end. ....

yep, changed my look and didn't wear certain jewlry.

To be able to hide yourself is actually a form of lying and I was never good at lying.
I could try to change myself to fit in as much as I could but I always got caught.
It's just not possible for me.
So now, if people don't like me, they can go suck it.
I'm done trying to change myself.

for work dress accordingly but once i get home idress the way i want to

haven't ever had to change my beliefs and never forced them on my son but let him have his ownbeliefs and if didn't care for them tried to help him understand why I felt they were a bad thing

Even the best actors slip out of character!

Example: Undercover cops, who stand at parade rest, arms behind their back wrist crossed, or at ready by hips, and legs in stance knees slightly bent.

I almost caved in when I thought that I had to stay with my youngest sis for awhile; her particular brand of religion - which I can't stand, but won't say what it is - declares that no other religious beliefs, via books, tools, images, etc - be allowed under her roof. I was ready to pack up my beloved stuff and store it, so I could have a roof under my head...I'm so glad that things didn't go that way!

This falls into the "mask" thread category I believe was started elsewhere. Yes, its called compromise and adapt. When in Rome, and all that. I don't think its neccessarily to fit in as much as it is to respect others feelings and opinions.

i call it 'embracing the corporate aesthetic'. it's just a fact of life that the real world is as phony as it can be.

I fight hard to stay myself and not change into someone else just for convenience but sometimes it feels as if I'm slipping as i struggle to hold on to the person who i really am which makes me wonder...if it feels like the essence of who you are is changing no matter how hard you try to stay yourself, does it mean that you were always that other entity?

It becomes obvious that some who declare themselves to be discriminated against, all to easily discrimate against what they refer to as " the herd". Assumtions against others, is bigotry point blank, regardless of " which side you are on".

I question those who are " different" just for the attention, or shock value they produce, always watching for reaction from " mundane" people.

When actual one never knows when a person assumed to be " mundane" could well be a covert fringe member.

We all bow to a higher power, yet some do it for no gain.

Dab,if I may,I would like to touch on your point of being different.
I know for me personally,take my jobs for instance,I chose careers that do not require that I change in my dress,beliefs or behavior .quite the contrary actually.Yet I could say my jobs arre "different" .It isnt,or wasnt for any kindof shock value,but simply because I wanted to do them because I love what I do and I make money at it.So,while I do agree with you to some degree,I cannot completely agree that all of those who are different do it for shock value.

Those that do, are very transparent.

I do agree with that.In the music biz we call peeps like that posers.

Only at work do i ever "change" my appearance.
Out in public i just go as is, but at work we are required to look "normal" so there is nothing i can do about that.

As far as religion, i stopped going to church years ago & have lost friends along the way, but i have also gained so much more in the long run. I don't see the point in a temple or building to worship God. My friends weren't friends at all. Just overbearing people that had nothing better to do with the time given them. I have altered my looks a little by adding more body ink & piercings as well. Does that make me a "sheep?" Perhaps, but i don't mind it at all if i look back on it

i really like every ones answers. another part i have asked i would love to hear about is

if you were told to change your actions , dress, and belifes or possibley lose your children what would you do ?

Well,if people where telling me that,then I would take a damn close look at myself.If someone is actually saying that?, then something is wrong.

And the reason I say that is these days people dont normally tell you you will loose your kids if you sport a mohawk and a couple dozen tattoos and wear black.
They dont tell you that if you dont go to church etc...
They do tell you that if you're neglectful.
They do tell you that if you are abusive etc..
I wont even address the fact that yes,vindictive spouses or peeps will often call child services and stuff just to cause trouble so that doesnt count.

I guess it would depend on your goals in life. If you want to make it in a rather conservative business arena then you need to dress and act accordingly. Most of what we do out in public is acting a part to get ahead. Those that don't generally start businesses in alternative areas. Internet businesses have made it a lot easier to stay in one's comfort zone and not have to worry about appearance and what others think about your beliefs because there isn't that much contact in the real world.

I think it's mainly respect and good common sense in what is appropriate for what occasion. It also depends on where you live as well. A tourist town that caters to the unusual would be more relaxed in dress and overall appearance and possibly attitudes. It also depends on what area of the country or just what country you live in as well.

I have seen this in the clubs, dress codes that seem to carry over into personal life or weekends of dressing a certain way to fit in. Is it being a sheep or following the fads of the time? There have been many just in the 20th century and a bulk of people followed them while the rest complained about it. I personally have a tendency to want to defy conformity but on the other hand I am not stupid...so the person who said there is a time and a place pretty much nailed it.

Aside from your appearance us your behaviour, and how outsiders receive information ( from your children) regarding your behaviour. That is called leveraging. I have witnessed cases where a person presented themselves as unreasonably prejudged by an exes' family, she would have people believe it was over her radical activist liberal lifestyle ( dreaded, and such).

there are two sides though, and it became evident that her priorities were not conductive to her children. Her erratic behaviour allowed shady live-in company that used, and dealt drugs out of her house. The children related this matter to the ex.

in life wa all seem to be a sheep and a follower, yet we must assure ourselves of us before anything. we must obtain some of us to be the individual that we want.

followers needs some one to be in charge at all times, yet are they the sheep or do they just need guidance.

religion & politics...always a party foul

You know... sometimes people focus so much on being 'different', they end up just another color of a lamb. Just be you- and if that's t-shirt and jeans... doesn't mean you are with the sheep either. Just means you have your own personal integrity. And you can have that no matter what you look like.

What gets me, is when individuals that dress fringe, assume, and imply that any one who doesn't is " offended" by, or prejudice toward those individuals.

All they are doing is reverse prejudice. Such I
individuals intensify their appear as people become indifferent to their appearance.

Those who assume or press on others in my thoughts are those who are young or want so much to be accepted by others that they force the issue, not all do this, i could care less of others thoughts of my style and accept no ill towards me of thoughts of their own ignorance.

I follow my rules and not those of others. sheep or wolf what ever you may call it. life styles are those who do them and do not justify to others for their own actions.

Ironically using the analogy of sheep itself to express conformity is incredibly cliched.

Authenticity is preferable to non-conformity.

*imagesinwords edit* That's always been my point, AA :)

Seeking acceptance through nonconformity is a major contradiction.

I like the post above mine!

Social skimmers are notorious for having a closet full of various outfits ( costumes) they have a " goth" outfit, a " gangster/hip hop", ect..

The intent is to turn heads, and be socially confrontational.

When did " being misunderstood", or " persacuted" become the " in thing".

If people simple were, who they are..

Yet all I hear is.

" I Don't care what people think of me."

Such a telling statement, 75 percent of the time.. the person is desperatly dependant on what others think of them, they want to be exceptional, they want attention., positive, or negative..

i dont think you are necessarily trying to be confrontational because of your looks i have my labret pierced and it wasnt for attention it was something i had always been drawn to and felt like a rite of passage to me a new beginning if you will i also have long hair for two reasons one i like it that away and two its in memory of my little brother who passed when he was 16 he always liked it long and he tried growing his out long but my father made him cut it short and soon after he was sick and on chemo and couldnt have hair at all he mentioned he loved my hair long and i said well dad cant make me cut it short so i let it get longer and longer he was truly happy about that im not sure why but i do it mainly in his memory now i also cut off a couple of feet at a time and donate it to locks of love which provides wigs for cancer patients now yes i will cut it off to get a job i gotta feed the kiddos and ill take out the labret if i have to because sometimes you have to give up your individuality to do what is right like feeding and clothing and housing the kiddos but that doesnt change who you are and it doesnt define you as an individual that would be your attitude towards life and things that are thrown at you in life and i have not gave up on my personal beliefs even though i pretty much lost my mom and dad because of it because you know their are some things that are just you and personal to you I had issues at my job because the rednecks i had worked with all believed in something else that i did not and i dealt with that and their ignorance of me and my beliefs and the intolerance because of theirs you dont change who you are but you might have to change some little things to get by in today society while more open to somethings and still closed to many who are the true sheep if you will

See Zazz that is the exception!

Just by reading your profile, I can glean your sincerity of personal identity.
Through your specification you distingish yourself from " sheepism".

Sheepism- the thought or act in which the sheep follow their herder or can be coralled to flock together.

Individualism here or on other aspects of society sheepism is not always the case in point. For some can be a follower yet hold traits in which themselves have followers. Genre of society building blocks.

Just because the mass may follow certain criteria does not make them the sheep of society. Norm has long been gone from society, for trends or fads seem to show individualism of people who wish not to follow the genre of the norm society.

i remember telling the whole calss at school that they are talking farm animals.they dont care who runs the farm as long as the pig trough is full of slop and the barn is warm and dry.

no i have not changed anything about myself. if people cant accept me for who and what i am then our friend ship is not vaild.I guess it helps that i have a job that i dont have to change my apperance.

In all honesty, my style of dress is conservative...so no need to change anything there. As for my beliefs, I haven't ever changed them to fit the "norm." However, unless discussion of that nature is called for, I do not bother bringing it up.

No i have never changed who i am on the inside or out for friends or jobs.

Response to Dabbler:

Yet how do we determine what motive is okay for style, attention seeking is definitely a personality trait. Often it holds a negative stigma, but why?

Regarding the "social skimmers" and their wardrobe of many genres...

Does style have to be static?

Should we have to adhere to any one style at any one time?

I personally have been through many phases in my lifetime, oddly enough, what I tend to do these days is some rough collaboration of the lot.

Good question,

Case by case, how an individual represents themselves to others relative to their " status" as subculture X.

As my namesake suggest, Dabbler m, an individual with noncommital interest in a wide range of topics, and subjects. Superficial.


I went through a period of being a " joiner", yet I seldomly dressed the part.

When a person adopts to many social roles there are inevitably conflicts, and clashes.

Loyalty/Commitment is often called into question as well.

If you would, a pink sheep, that inundated with pink sheep, dyes their wool green, spends a week with green sheep, and starts projecting themselves as
a dedicated, knowledgable green sheep. Perhaps even berating pink sheep while present among green sheep.


So green sheep get a misrepresentation.

Being curious about other subcultures is not verboten, but there is a line that can be crossed, one that seeds prejudice, and creates bias in others that may personally be discouraged from exploring various subcultures.

I hope I understood your questions Ashes.

Green sheep are likely to write off


Their are varied degrees of transition.

As well as varied degrees that people invest in their respective subcultures.

An elitist type seldomly tolerates posuers.

While an initiate, or acylote may not have established company representative of the subculture, and may accept company with a basic foundation of the subculture.

How one treats those that they engaged with in other genres/subcultures
is a factor as well.

Nothing steams me more then when a person goes from say punk, to gangster, and starts trashing on punks.

"Nothing steams me more then when a person goes from say punk, to gangster, and starts trashing on punks."

Hahahaha cute reference.

But one could assert that because of their experience within a genre, they are most privy to its negative aspects.

I have had the dabbling debate with myself for many years. A topic we have both been over.

A broad and varied interest/style niche opposed to a elite/concentrated exploration into one style.

hmmmm kinda, I was in an abusive and controlling relationship and was "forbidden" to pursue my path into witchcraft or anything to do with the occult for that matter. I complied for a couple of years while buying my time til I was able to get away but it felt like soul murder to not be myself and now that I can I am much happier.

To me,making some comprimises whether in dress or lifestyle isnt even close to becoming a sheep.I do fell however that if there are 6 or more peeps calling you a horse,then it might be a good thing to change your saddle when it comes to behaviour.Being yourself is a good thing,but if it is detrimental to those around you,then it is simply bad behaviour and you should indeed do what you can to change it.
I would be more worried about someone getting into a cult or something of that nature where they HAVE to do something ,or else.That to me would constitute becoming a sheep.Or even jumping on a bandwagon when you dont even understand what it is youre agreeing with or jumping into.Baaaaad

Goats
thinking
they are far more unique
then lily white sheep
odd how they never notice
that they too are herded

What in society is not herded, Schools, work ,cities, religious sancuatuaries. People are hereded yet they do not always follow the same path as the leader.

There are herded people, and people who herd, not all who herd intent to.

I broke from the masses, and extracted myself from the grid..
a misfit.. among outcast..

.. never have been part of the herd.
Jeez, why would anyone want that!?!

occasionally everyone finds themselves
swept along in a herd
not that there need be shame
however..
what seperates black sheep
from the rest of the herd
is discerning when it is slaughter time

Still though, nothing funnier then a sheep who tries to convince other sheep that he/she hangs out with wolves.

There is people that like to be herded in life. followers in a sence. for they never become the leader in some aspects of life.

I haven't changed to conform to other peoples beliefs. But if I know the people won't be open minded then I just simply keep my thoughts to myself. I have made compromises with my family and that has worked well. But I won't conform!

I believe perception is a key. Positive OR negative view? I would say from a positive perspective i have been the cameleon and sheep at times in my life , when i felt it necessary. But to me it would be kinda like what some call cloaking. Just depends how important the reason for doing so is. I see nothing wrong with anyone 'becoming the sheep' if need be, but lets not forget, what lies beneeth the wool, sometimes its the wolf. I agree with Oceanne , one does not have to submit to complete Conformity, to which one has submited all and is as week and helpless as sheep actually are lol , in order to make it work or get by, whatever the goal is. I think being able to conform a tad or blend in either way, (and not lose yourself) comes from experience, and is part of what creates a dash of wisdom along the path and knowing who you really are to begin with. Im sure some do lose themsleves, maybe to never know who they were before, but that could be viewed as learning who they really are meant to be anyway. I enjoyed the topic.

I have been into some of those positions where I have looked a certain way and get rude comments, by my own mother even, and have been misunderstood whenever I was grasping in different fields of spirituality that others were dead set against because of how THEY were taught to believe. I have always been a little different from the "norms" of society but the way i see it, who cares what people think? If we lived every single day of our lives trying to please people, we'd never be truly living to the fullest of who or what we are.

I understand whenever we have to look a certain way depending on job requirements, but some have lightened up a lot over time, and so have people. At least I have noticed these things through children for the most part. Some adults could use a mental makeover to fit in with the times around here.

But all-in-all, no i don't have to pretend to be something i'm not and i've been gaining a lot of positive experiences because of that. To conform is not one of my assets. I stick to my guns whenever it comes to who i am, or what i stand up for. If i am ever like sheep, it's because everything connects in some form every now and then but it's ok to be different or unique as well.

I became diplomatic and tactful to succeed in the workplace.

Well, we all conform in one way or another to make it in this world. Even when you are trying so hard to be different, you are conforming to a different group. It just depends on which group you want to conform to.

Also, you can maintain your otherworldly persona outside of work time. Certain places want a certain look for their clientele.

Hell, even some sheep are black.

PS--Keep in mind, that there comes a time, when the rebellion of the young, changes to a more mature and selective way of being. You pick and choose your battles more wisely, instead of blindly cursing everything that pisses you off in the moment. You gain wisdom (some do) and patience. Nothing wrong with that. In fact, if you are going to make it in this world, you have to gain SOME knowledge.

many people MUST change their look to do particular jobs... I will eventually have to cut my hair when I finish my doctorate degree.... but I have about 4 years left...so until then~

i recall when i was in school to become an educator, there was a girl that had lots of shrapnel in her face, and a tat that ran up her neck to her jaw.
when it was time to send her out to be a student teacher they could not place her...no school in the area would accept her.

there are times when we all must wear a mask just to get by.
~W~

We always become with society yet we must be ourselves to become the next tommorrow

SOmetimes i try ot follow others like asheep or use to it never works and shouldnt do it any way i should just be me beening me at the moment dosent sem very good

LW that's pretty sad i have to say. I know the world can be a very judgemental and shallow place, and how difficult it is for others to see beyond the flesh. They should be paying more attention to what a person can do, their skills and abilities and put that first above anything else. Also like to add that, if someone isn't happy in their working environment should always try to find something more suitable or maybe find a more open-minded place of employment ;)

what gets me is the desperation from people who go out of their way to be fringe, wanting to be accepted, even embraced.

Can't have your cake, and eat it too.

asura
i agree with you, but there is a place for an expectation of someone to have a certain appearance for certain jobs. you also have to understand...one of my heros is dr. red duke. he is one of the most outstanding cardiologists on planet earth, but he takes great pleasure driving an old beat up f150 pickup, and dressing like an uber redneck.

now he can get away with it because of his credentials...but if i were only a newly graduated doctor, i dont think i could get away with it.

it is the way of our society. the point of wearing a mask is to be able to fit in. about the only way one can get away with being non main stream is to have a career in the arts, or in some lower strata job.
~W~

Those who play a role to get reactions from the general public
stand out, and eventually become obvious. They highjack subcultures for sensational effect, and when they no longer get reactions they act out, sadly it is the subculture they high jack that gets the rap.

I deliberately fit in. When I first realized there was something wrong I reached out for guidance and the very first thing I was told by a senior member here (who will remain nameless) was "try to fit in".
So I do...I lead an average life but I have an extraordinary past which I keep pretty quiet about. Yet we are no sheep, we just lead different lives only a very few truly know of.
Actually I like the idea of Green sheep but I guess I,m Bias.

For me I would love to dye my hair crazy colors, have facial piercings, dress differently but I don't because of the way society is. So instead I tone it down. I just recently dyed my hair a burgundy wine color. I have a tongue ring to compensate for my want for facial piercings. It is things like that that keep me sane but still won't offend anybody too much. So I guess I am saying if you wanna be wild with your appearance, compromise.

As for your beliefs... I don't think anyone should have to change what they believe or what they worship just cuz some idiot doesn't like it. Keeping your mouth shut during certain conversation is not going against your beliefs it is just being aware of your surroundings and being considerate of others. As stated in previous posts, "There is a time and place for everything."

To me losing yourself doesn't mean becoming a sheep. It can mean taking opportunity to advance in some cases or just staying quiet and watching. Doing things you know must be done even though you may not be able to express yourself. Remember you have to take responsibility for your actions; Would you punch out a coworker for making fun of you because he/she found out that you are a member of VR? (Not in public, LOL) Just joking, but by taking that action you may lose your job. So no, it's not about being a sheep. It's reality and you have responsibities.

"Did you fight it or did you become a sheep to keep what is dear to you". do you mean, losing your individuality and your character, no, is not worth it. If a human live a life control by others, just because "things", then, why keep living? You must be a fighter. And yes, some people are not born to fight, but to be oppressed by others.

I have let people run all over me to keep from losing my home, my kids and my material things. But i did it all for nothing because i lost them all anyways. So being someone i am not is not always a good thing. I learn u should always be ur self and not let anyone change u. I have also learned no one should control u and put u down.

I don’t class myself as a `sheep’

I am an individual who conforms to the set of rules which society has given us. Most people don’t get on in life if they don’t!

I believe I would be more likely to lose something dear to me if I did change myself purposefully.

I've found that a lot of people respect me more - those that matter to me, anyway - for being who I am and not pretending to be something I'm not, or hiding who I really am.

It makes people edgey and less likely to trust you if you don't let your true colors shine through.

As far as creating a "censored version" of myself to project into my professional life, well, I don't really do that either.
Being an artist means that there is a certain expectance for me to look bizarre and be more than a little weird; it comes with the territory.

People can always tell if you have a fake personality or if you are ashamed of your true self in any way.

I guess I'm not making any new point but that's just my opinion; I would endeavor to stay true to myself, even if that does mean change, as sometimes we do all need it.

Do what feels right, not just to protect what you love.

the only person i have ever changed for was myself

siouxsieswitchblade - Damn straight.

It's the only person you should ever change for, and the only person who really knows if change is what you need.

Ive changed for my job. All my peircings had to come out,That really sucked.
But other than that I stay true to my beliefs even if my husband thinks Im crazy. (JK)

I think to some point we all do.

Anyone that says otherwise is either detached from reality or in prison. But those are the extreme cases.

We tend to deny our true selves in a sense to save face. Common sense dictates we do that for everyday survival purposes. After all we all have to live, but we DO NOT have to share what we are or what we believe with EVERYBODY to prove anything....that in my opinion is just stupid.

Yes for a long time I wore makeup on my tatoo so that I could ware skirts to work.

I have a hard time relating to some of this talk because when I was young we didn't have the social classes other than dealing with money. There were no special clothes and lifestyles until the hippies came along. There was the beat generation but that was literary and other than in the news most didn't know much about it and it didn't affect many people.

Everyone was pretty conservative because even in school there were strict dress codes. Girls weren't allowed to even wear pants until around 1966 in any school at any level. No one I knew except military had tatooes and piercings...haha...in the ears and it was mostly a Catholic thing until the late sixties.

There were clothing fads and such but no one really paid much attention to that. I see the drastic differences in lifestyles and dress more in the last 30 years or so. I never had that delema because most people wouldn't have gone there...it was just how we were raised. There were very few gangs...they existed but very much in the background.

Mostly I have had to suck it up in relation to religion and politics well I have views but I don't know all the issues. I don't do that anymore in regard to religion ... they can take it or lump it, lol. I think it all comes down to common sense in just about every walk of life. Be true to yourself but don't be stupid.

at one point I did have to change my beliefs to be able to have my family back near me, I still don't follow what I believe, but I follow what has to be, in order to keep my family.

I know it might sound week, I won't argue, I admit it, I do not have the streing to stand up for it. But I know the consequences, and to me they are heavy, but I made a choice and I have to accept what comes with my choice.

I have two 'me' s the one that is me & I won't change & the one that wears all the 'masks' to just avaid all the crap with others... dressing 'normal' or acting 'normal'

When once shocking, rebellious statements become common, where are the new generations to go to rebel? Once the bar is raised.. for example long hair, accepted around the late 70s.
Hairstyle became outrageous the children of the same people who
rebeled with long hair, nagged their children for mo-hawks, and clipped sides.

80s male piercings, mid 90s Sever Mod goes mainstream and booms in 2 years.

So in summary

Personally my mom would care less, as long as it didn't hinder my obligation to personal advancement.

My peers, wouldn't particularly care either way, but would draw the line at constantly relating everything to my choice of belief, or identity.