Society's expectations can be restrictive from "summary" of The Source of Self-Regard by Toni Morrison
The weight of society's expectations can be suffocating, wrapping its tendrils around our thoughts and actions, shaping us into a mold not entirely our own. It imposes a standard of behavior, a set of norms and rules that dictate how we should live, think, and feel. These expectations, often rooted in tradition and upheld by societal institutions, can act as a barrier to true self-expression and individuality. We are conditioned to conform to these expectations from a young age, taught to suppress our true selves in order to fit in and be accepted by those around us. This pressure to conform can be particularly stifling for marginalized groups, who are often held to a higher standard and face harsher consequences for deviating from societal norms. The fear of judgment and rejection can lead us to suppress our authentic selves, to hide our true desires and aspirations in order to meet the expectations placed upon us. This constant performance, this act of living up to society's standards, can be draining, eroding our sense of self-worth and leaving us feeling disconnected from our true selves. Breaking free from these expectations is a daunting task, requiring courage and resilience in the face of potential backlash and criticism. It means challenging the status quo, pushing back against the constraints imposed by society, and embracing our true selves with all our flaws and imperfections. In a world that constantly seeks to define us, to box us into categories and labels, it is a radical act to break free from society's expectations and embrace our individuality. It is a reclaiming of our agency, a declaration of our right to exist on our own terms, free from the shackles of conformity and expectation. It is a journey towards self-discovery, towards finding our own source of self-regard amidst a sea of external pressures and demands.
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