To belong or not to belong...

We have often seen people, who just would not accept an argument even if it cannot be refuted just because they belong to the other side.
Further Many people have made opinions, just to belong to a group.

I am sure at some point in time, You must also have been reprimanded by teacher. It isn't fun, especially if you are the only one standing in class on the bench.(with raised hands! :P).
But the moment there is some other guy who also gets reprimanded. You feel - 'You are not alone in this'.
This curiously lessens the pain of being admonished. At that point you and the other guy form a group - The United Group of Being Admonished (UGOBA). The other guy is your pal sharing your hopes and sorrow (oops! blame) :)

And I got it.
Why do we need to belong
1. Survival
After all we are social animals and interdependent. Belonging to a group was one of the key element of survival long back - You simply didn't exist alone long enough in a jungle - and the instinct has remained in us.

2. Better Treatement
If I belong to your group, that makes me one of you and You are more likely to treat me with more compassion than someone who says - "Well, I haven't made up my mind about your argument. But do you mind helping me out on..."

3. Simply cos It's fun
Then there is the fun part of belonging in a group.
Well, they say- 'There is electricity in the crowds'.
If you are unconvinced - go to a bar, discotheque.

What do people pay for? The drinks, the lights, Well, Partially! But it's the environment or ambience, (to sound sophisticated! :P).
People are having fun because people are having fun.

If you don't agree try visiting the place when it's empty and see if you can enjoy the same.

There is also one big flip side to it and it doesnot affect only you but the whole society

When one does not evaluate choices and takes decisions to just belong to a group. It promotes poor alternatives for everyone.
For example: Say. If you bought a watch for a million dollars just because you could afford it. It becomes the buzz of the town. The seller would do well to crane to people who are hesitant to shell out a million dollars for a watch that even Mr. Verma (you are Mr. Verm let's say :P) bought it. Only a connoisseur of Mr Verma's league could see the value of this watch and pay for it.

I am sure, some of your admirers (after all You must be someone to pay a million dollar for a watch. :P) will want to be in your league and buy it. So a whole lot of people are duped in your name.

This goes for all things from buying watch to matchsticks, to beliefs - political or otherwise - because we influence decisions of people around us.

To conclude
It wouldn't be such a bad thing to have no preference until a strong reason comes along. For the time being it's okay to sit on the fence and watch both the groups curiously (:P) Are they just trying to belong Or Is there a solid argument here? Then you will be closer to the truth.

Let me know! :)

P.S. Have a look at the ads, if they serve you. It helps me too.Thanks!