Conformity.

A Japanese proverb states, "The nail that sticks out will be hammered down." Society tries to place rules on individuals as to what is acceptable and what is not. It is an individuals right to decide whether to conform to such a social decorum. From an early age one is taught to grasp the idea that being unique is wrong. At some point, a decision must be made within oneself whether to spend a life …

…seen for who they truly are. When people remove the "mask" placed on them by society they learn to think for themselves, often find new traits within themselves, and can even aspire to greatness. Not conforming leaves people with the opportunity to make decisions based on their own preferences. "A 'No' uttered from deepest conviction is better and greater than a 'Yes' merely uttered to please, or what is worse, to avoid trouble" (Mahatma Gandhi).