Group think vs free thinking

Greetings,I am relatively new here.And asa disclaimer, I hope that this is the proper location for this thread. If it is not kindly inform me of where I should initiate this discussion.

Anyways on to my topic.

Sincechildhood, I've?went against the grain of societal norms,always questioning the behaviors, dialogue, and circumstances around me. This characteristic to question and challenge the conventional norms imposed onto me hasundoubtedlyaffected my lifes opportunities, my social standing, and more importantly my intellectual and emotional development.

My tendency to question that around me has attractedpraiseand admiration from someyet to others Ive been demonized and deemed arebelliousyouth in my younger days.

Now as a recent college graduate, a modest salary earner, and someone with several stamps on my passport I think I've turned out quite well. All of which, I contribute to my ability to freely think. To challenge the often lower quality dietary standards of those in my impoverished ghetto, to challenge the strict religious rhetoric ingrained intothe society around me; etc.

However, some doors have been closed for me. Some have felt thatI should just go with the program and accept the group-think mentality. A perspective withwhich I vehemently disagree with.

AnywaysI've shared my experiences and hopes today for two reasons. My first reason does this threadisto spark a mind and or attract someone of like attainment to build a strong bond one day. That is to say to network with someone whose lifeI can one day add value to and who can contribute value to my life.

My second reason is to invite critique and to start a conversation toconsider the dangers and or potential benefitsof group-think in modern society in contrast to that of the free-thinker. The one who doesn't merely accept what's handed to them. The one who challenges societal norms and doesn't merely settle for the predominant and common thought processes of teachers, family members, or political parties.