People group for social comforts. Loneliness, not ideal, thus group form in countless ways—
Gym Memberships, Greek Life, Friendships, Hobbies, Parties, Clubs, Groups, the list does not cease.
But memberships can be artificial, the mere establishment of a label, in order to create inclusion—activity within this social circle must be a voluntary thing. Otherwise, it is what it is, a label.
Individuals derive satisfaction from the claim, from belonging, with the clear-cut knowledge (for themselves and for observes) that they are a part of something.
Validation is achieved, acknowledgment is gained, and recognition is noted. They feel as though they can clearly “seen”—when, in truth, has anything actually changed? Or do the allow themselves to be changed?
A membership can just be another label to carry.
But involvement, does that reflect on wanting to be associated with this partial group of people because you believe you represent them and embody them or do you join in hope of changing? Becoming someone new?
Ultimately, we all desire the urge to belong—be it physically, intellectually, spiritually, emotionally, socially, and so the list runs onward. It’s human instinct. But how does belonging and temptations linked with it alter us? Change is inevitable, everything changes, but is it a natural or artificial change?
And, at the end of it all, how would you see yourself—or even be yourself—once you were to leave said group? What would be left?
Who would be left?
9/26/10
