the herd mentality afflicting so many  makes  the punishment of not conforming to the norms very harsh . no mercy is shown  for those who do not fit into stereotypes or those who do not follow the dictates laid down by society ; the minority  which dares to be different or chooses independently is always crushed , repressed , scorned and laughed at by the others  ; forgetting  the fact that the mind and heart of every individual is free .. to like what/who she/he wants to , feel whatever she/he wants to , to love whoever or whatever she/he pleases ...... no barrier is strong enough , no wall is tall enough , no deterrent is harsh enough to curb , hedge or control the human mind or heart ... and that freedom is asserted by a very few ... .