There is a secondary school not far from our home, and I often see the students either walking to school or waiting at the bus stop. Over 1500 students attend this school, and yet when I see them there is a similarity that identifies them as belonging to that school. After some thought I realized that it is their appearance that is similar. Although there is no school uniform, it is their choice of clothes that almost creates a uniform in itself. The colours of choice tend to be limited to three colours none of which stand out or appear distinct. Almost all students carry a backpack. It is rare to see a student who stands out by wearing brighter colours or a different style of clothes.

This is a well known example of the power of peer pressure, such an influential force in the lives of children growing up. Ironically the teen age years are the period of time when children are trying to find out who they are, how their identity is unique from family members and role models of their previous childhood years. The ridicule and even persecution of fellow students at school causes all but the secure and bold of heart to conform or be ostracized at school.

There are many forms of conformity out in the big wide world; subtle expectations and pressures that create environments and communities which conform to