Well I can't speak as much for places like the United States as I haven't lived there/been there enough to really see... but definitely being a person who gets to see and experience different kinds of cultures, and who lives in the Middle East helps. Where I live for example, if you look so different, or act so different because you don't want to conform, you often will not be taken seriously. It's stupid, I know, but if you walk into the bank looking a little ragged, you're likely to get less service then some guy who walks in with a suit on. That's just kind of a little example... but often in places that aren't North America, if you don't look or act in a way that people recognize, you often get stuck in spot of not being able to either communicate or accomplish. I've had this difficulty myself many times. 

Another thought- so many times I see people who are conforming by trying NOT to conform. That to fit in with the crowd of un-conformers they want to be a part of, they conform to their uncomformation [I think I just made up a word. XD] =]

Kinzi-

Can you give me an example? To me you should never conform, but i'd like to c the other side of it.

This is really quite good! I liked the way you put it. Especially liked the image of the shore... 

I wonder, what would you say if someone said that there are times in life where you HAVE to conform?