Conformity of American Children

I guess it's a matter of perspective. Comparing American children to those in other cultures I can see that we would be seen as less conforming but as I try to raise my children to excel and be as successful as possible I see a culture raising their children to conform rather than succeed.

I am referring to the expectations to conform as put on children through peer pressure, parental expectations and a lack of competitive standards.

Peer pressure pushes children to conform to the expectations of the group or be cast out. Having individuality is seen as dangerous and to an extent unacceptable.

Parental expectations encourage children to play it safe and follow the rules, not seeking to make waves or dream too big. Parents want their children to be safe, secure and successful.

The lack of competitive standards has crept into our education and athletic arenas in taking away the ability for children to excel over others. Children are not recognized for excelling or winning but rather just for participating. Children who could excel are brought down to the level of those around them so as to not make them feel less worthy. Conformity by lowering our standards rather than raising our expectations.