Introoooooo

While for the most part conformity is associated with older generations and even the “old world,” resistance to conformity is connected with youth and modern life. Born ?? years ago in Morocco, my grandmother embodies in many ways a person of the old world. In Morocco during the 1930s, my grandmother would have been expected to devote herself to family, adhere to devout Judaism, and uphold strong moral standards. In America during the early 21^st century, many women would not technically be “expected” to do anything. Today in Beverly Hills, she has imported habits of conformity from her earlier life in Morocco and France that include completely lady-like behavior and attire and strict observance of religious practices. But wait just a second there—if she has not adapted to American culture, language, and social norms, then couldn’t we say that she is in fact refusing to dismiss her roots and true identity? So, in essence, isn’t she discreetly rebelling against the “new world” in which she now lives? While on the surface my grandmother appears to conform completely to traditional social and family roles, religious views, and moral standards, she is actually subtly resisting conformity in terms of Americanization, modernization, and secularization.