Conform to the norm... or don't. It makes no difference.

So, before anyone hates me for writing any of this, I would just like to state the following:


1. This is not vaguely directed towards anyone I know, so don't take it personal. 
2. This is an opinion.  Freely give yours if you feel the impression to do so.
3. Please don't think this is me attacking any of you.  If I have told you that you are awesome, or hinted at it, I mean it.  This is just a little vent:3


The word "conformity" has been coming up a lot lately, so I, being the internet weirdo that I am, decided to look up some information.
Apparently, conforming is when you comply with the beliefs of another person.  If you conform to things, you are a mindless zombie, constantly influenced by other people and never yourself.  
That is what about 95% of the internet told me.  But, when I looked up the definition of "conform", it came up with definitions such as:


"To bring into agreement, correspondence, or harmony."
"To be in harmony or accord."
"To be or become similar in form, nature, or character."
"To act in accordance or harmony; comply."


So, now I am confused.  What would be the opposite of conformity?  Obviously nonconformity, but when things come together and harmonize, it is usually a peaceful affair and it makes everyone pretty content.  So, would the opposite be non-peacful and not harmonized?  I'm not saying that all of our beliefs need to coincide together, forming one giant congregation of cookie cutter people all getting along while raising each others children. Instead, I want this looked at a different way.
When people (for lack of a better word) non-conform against a large group of (...ditto) conformists, it shows that they have a strong individuality about them, and a fortified belief system that has been shaped by every event in their life.  Either way, it is fine.  That individual is completely fine in having his/her own take on life and how to live it.
This is what drives me nuts though.


Because he/she belongs to a specific organized religion, they are a conformist.
Because he/she sticks to his/her moral values, he/she is a conformist.
Because he/she belongs to such and such political party, he/she is a conformist.


I won't stand for this.
Just because someone does what they believe is right, they are instantly labeled by the supposed "non-conformists" as someone who doesn't think for themselves.  Who are the non-conformists to judge the people that want to conform to certain things?  Granted, there is opposition in all things, which makes life interesting in some cases, and everyone is always entitled to freely express their opinion.  But I always feel a bit of hostility is directed towards the "conformists".


If something makes you happy, and brings you joy in life, I am just going to go out on a limb here and say conform.  Go ahead and do it.
If making the next door neighbor jealous of your lawn makes you happy, conform to his criteria!  Mow the lawn how he would like it to be mowed!


I am a "conformist", and I honestly don't care what the "non-conformists" think about it. 
I typed this in Helvetica.
Don't flame me as bad as I am expecting... I swear this isn't directed towards anyone specific.  Just the world.