Rebellion, self-discovery, adolescence, transition to adulthood, opposition to society, conformity, individuality
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Abstract
This document explores the concept of rebellion in relation to becoming oneself, particularly in the context of adolescence and the transition to adulthood. It examines the role of opposition to society in defining oneself and the importance of nuance in this process.
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[...] To be oneself, must one oppose society? The number of stories, mainly dystopian science fiction, about the dangers of conformity, exposed and broken by a heroic character with individuality, is no longer countable: the genre marks our era to such an extent that it seems to define it. Yet, the very popularity of these stories raises questions about their message. If an entire generation identifies with Katniss Everdeen, the rebellious heroine of Hunger Games, For example, this identification becomes, by definition, a marker of belonging to the group, or a form of conformity. [...]
[...] Nevertheless, this new integration into adulthood should not be total. We must use what we have learned by opposing to know when and how to oppose or conform. One is not more 'oneself' because one systematically opposes than because one systematically acquiesces. In fact, as social beings, we construct ourselves in relation to others, that is, to society. 'In relation to' does not imply a parallel movement, convergence or divergence in itself: being oneself means following these trajectories when they seem judicious, using one's critical thinking and taking others into account. [...]
[...] But that's exactly the usefulness of such a position: to serve as a transition. It's about stepping away from society to find oneself, and then integrating back in. Literally understood and maintained in the long term, this rebellion can appear childish and touch on the absurd. In fact, by defining oneself without this against society, we still define ourselves in relation to the latter. Because it is impossible to escape society as a social being. It is just as arbitrary to never do what everyone else does as it is to always do the same as everyone else. [...]
