High school, it’s a time in most people’s lives where being apart of the majority is what’s expected. What we wear, listen to, even what we participate in is determined by what is viewed as acceptable in others’ eyes. But when you don’t go along with the norm, boom, you’re crazy. In this case, people resume life inside their own shell in a fight between what they want, and what society wants. It shocks me people care so much about what others think, and they decide to follow along with those guidelines. I say forget those so called “guidelines” and do what makes you happy.

Look at Kanye West, undoubtedly in my mind one of the most egotistical men on the planet. He strolls the streets acting like he’s a god, strutting different style than most would even consider, and he makes his opinion clear (like saying “George Bush doesn’t care about black people” on live television in 2006). Despite his radical ways, he seems to maintain happiness, at least on the surface.

So why would I use someone as self-absorbed as Kanye West as an example of what I think people should try to be like? The man is living proof going outside of the box can lead to contentment in one’s life. By not being afraid of what other people think, he has ultimately made a true name for himself.

Now by no means am I saying it is ok to make your life goal to be conceited and hope others “bow down” to you in the way Kanye West does, but I think in order for a person to be truly happy they need to stop worrying about what others’ opinions are and go for what they want and believe in. People may “lose their minds” for the moment, but in the end it’ll be worth it.