In modern times, "alternative" is a much-used but little-understood word. Adults probably recognize it as part of today's youth culture, but understand little beyond that. But even the teens who seem to be part of it probably don't think about what it means too much. What does it mean to be alternative? The word has lost most of its meaning, if it ever had any in the first place. It was originally coined to mean something which does not follow the mainstream, something which tries to be different or "counter-culture". Today many people who try to be alternative do so by trying to do everything differently from the mainstream. Any way they can, they try to think of ways to separate themselves, make themselves look or act different. This, they say, gives them individuality. To me, it all seems rather silly. I consider myself part of alternative culture, but not because I try to be different, but rather, because I simply do not follow the mainstream norms. I choose my own path in life, without having someone else tell me what to do. This was the original meaning of alternative culture, and I believe it is the more useful one. The two meanings are subtly different. Both of them hinge on not following the mainstream. But one side actively tries to be different from the mainstream as much as possible, while one simply chooses what is best. The latter group of people may have some traits in common with the mainstream, and they do not care. Their goal is not to be different, but merely, independant. After all, not *every* idea the mainstream has is necessarily wrong, right? It is possible for someone to be independant and to have a unique identity without trying to be different. Does not even the mainstream have a broad variety of people, with their own cultures and viewpoints? Humans are a naturally diverse lot, and they do not need to try to be different. I agree with the notion of not letting a cultural norm tell you what to do. That seems sensible enough. After all, they're based on custom rather than reason. But I disagree with the trend towards complete non-conformity. That is a cultural norm (the norm of the "alternative" culture) which I choose not to conform to.