Why conform or nonconform?
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I have set up this web site as a contact point on the web for people, who would like to examine their relationship to "social norms" in some type of constructive (not necessarily limited) way??
Coming from a background of running small business & some tertiary education, realized that not everything we are taught is rational or value to me in life?
For most of my life happiness & contentment were missing, more so my life was driven by addictions to work, making an income with the idea that the end result of this work would be buying a house, finding a partner & as a consequence be rewarded with the internal feelings of; happiness, contentment & a strong, enthusiastic motivation? Not the case? Did I miss the point?? I doubt it.
I gave up a secure job & circle of friends to look for more meaning in my life?? Some people would say this is "Midlife Crisis", if so then bring it on.
I decided to break the legal social taboos of clothing associated with identity - wearing clothes that were taboo for men? Example wearing pyjamas when going shopping or mixing garments associated with women with men's fashions to see how I felt?
The end result of this exploration has led me to formulating a process (commonly referred to) as "Performance Art".
Performance Art; To me is a term loosely used to refer to an 'event' which engages an audience (wether deliberate or not), by using this definition it could be argued that a person calling to another across a busy street, could also be called "Performance Art"?
To me "Performance Art" has an intention to explore some unknown concept or use of a creative process to shed light on my perceived reality, illuminating the hidden forces controlling myself & others?
"Street Theatre" Vs., "Performance Art"
Street Theatre; where a person or group of people create a performance in an every day social setting, with the intention of gaining an audience. The audience is separate to the performance. The performers want the audience to acknowledge their art by remuneration of money or applause.
Performance Art; is where a person or group of people create a performance in an every day social setting, where there is NO intention of gaining an audience? The performance is like an art object i.e. The street setting, become a public gallery, people in the surrounding area may choose to interact with the performance or not react as they choose.
There is a subtle difference my performance takes here? That is, I am not interested in an audience response to my performance. This is an internal process where I attempt to desensitize myself of being self-conscious in a public gallery, while altering my physical appearance by breaking clothing conventions, taboos or being involved in a "flash mob" event.
Flashmob Event Due to other commitments have postponed this type of event for the short term.
This type of event requires several people with mobile phones, coordinating participants as well as overseeing overall event.
What is a flash mob event?
If any one would like to know more? Like questioning the value to me or an audience, as a consequence of my performance or a flash mob event? do contact me. Email me about flash mob stuff?; Click here
Why create Performance Art? Am of the feeling that, if you fit the very narrow range of criterion that society deems as desirable in a person, then the process of conforming may be very rewarding in material and emotional terms.
Alas that was not the case for me, for much of my child hood trying to fit into any social group was usually stressful & only tolerable at best…….. most days I experienced anxiety relating to interactions with others etc., Performance is a great way to experience ones own boundaries & make some sense of the social rules.
G'day, my name is Allan Ladd,
I live near Lismore in a small hamlet called Booyong in northern NSW Australia.
This web site is not a money making exercise.
I currently like challenging my emotional boundaries (psychological boundaries), by wearing usually taboo costume for men in public & continually reminding myself that as I can not see myself, so why buy into what other people are experiencing (initially easier said than done).
I like having fun, meeting like-minded or even more adventurous people than my self, am very comfortable in most places & like to laugh......
example of possible outcome of this web site could be; regular gathering for discussion &/or organize events like a fancy-dress street café crawl, beach party, etc., what do you feel about this?
(People do not have to wear fancy dress, unless they would like to challenge their own emotional boundaries... just being around others in costume may be confronting enough).
This site does not endorse confrontational anti-conformist or rebellious attitudes, though if a person wishes to explore a legal costume fantasies, legal taboo, etc., I am happy to discuss & explore these subjects with as open a mind as possible. (Am unlikely to place a judgement on any one or break their trust in me, as a consequence of discussions we may have).
The process I am interested in, is to reduce the number of my emotional boundaries, by desensitizing myself to the need to fit in to a limited social dress code, hence increase my confidence, self esteem .
From experience, have found that my mind is unable to hold two strong trains of thought at the same time, i.e. if I am wearing costume & feeling self-conscious, while holding conversation with a friend on a subject of particular interest to both of us, my mind will let go of the emotional charge of the least conscious set of thoughts. by this I find myself loosing the feeling of being self-conscious quickly during a discussion.
Would like to see an open discussion on any subject, which the bulk of the participants feel comfortable to discuss, while enjoying some novel surroundings like a public street cafe etc.,.
Being socially acceptable is not important for me to enjoy life (I am not implying a lack of sensitivity or responsibility), how do you feel about that?
The concept of Conformity vs. nonconformity for me is a huge (very big) area of being human. I choose to take on a specific area of nonconformity such as questioning "dress code"?
If you find this set of boundaries limiting & would like to meet other people of a similar attitude?.............
Email me ant_52@westnet.com.au
Hope you have a sense of humour????? This is where I live.
Evrsoft 1st Page 2000 html web editor, If you are a person wanting a copy of this program? & find it hard to come by?
Then email me, as I have 1st page 2000 & a patch for it, which makes it very stable. This is Free to any one who contacts me.