Why are people afraid of odd or eccentric people and like mainstream people so much more? (person, personality)

[Curious Discussion]

If you are rich or an artist then it is OK to be weird, but if you are an office worker, then you can't be eccentric, weird or unusual. I am not talking about mentally ill or dangerous or someone that makes people uncomfortable or is not able to function in society. I am talking about eccentric, interesting but odd people. People whose personality is outside of the mainstream.

I started a new job and started talking to an eccentric lady who sat next to me. She seemed so interesting but odd beat. A couple of employees came up to me later and said, "don't talk to her, she is weird!" I noticed even though the eccentric woman was very nice and a hard worker, nearly everyone would have nothing to do with her.

Is it a crime to be unusual?

[Star10101]

It takes all sorts. Talk to whoever you want to talk to.

[Curious Discussion]

Originally Posted by Star10101

It takes all sorts. Talk to whoever you want to talk to.

I was told in no uncertain terms that if I befriended the odd girl, I would be out of the inner circle at work, and not be considered a team player.

[adventuregurl]

Originally Posted by Curious Discussion

I was told in no uncertain terms that if I befriended the odd girl, I would be out of the inner circle at work, and not be considered a team player.

This makes absolutely NO sense and I'd tell them that ~ doesn't a team player play will everyone?

[Star10101]

Originally Posted by Curious Discussion

I was told in no uncertain terms that if I befriended the odd girl, I would be out of the inner circle at work, and not be considered a team player.

I don't like it when people try to ostracise others, especially for just being different.

[Curious Discussion]

Originally Posted by Star10101

I don't like it when people try to ostracise others.

The incrowd controls the agenda at many employers and if it is fair or not, that is the truth. Fit in or your not going anywhere!

[1973PINTO]

maybe the odd person likes you and none of the others .. it can go both ways ...

[sweetana3]

You are new and dont know the history of the office. Always best to stay back and determine the office personality before starting to make judgements about the "weird" lady or the other workers.

It is always possible that in the past she did something to someone or to all of them that they cannot tolerate but since they are in a workplace, they must get along and do their jobs.

It is also possible that they are a bunch of nasty coworkers with their own clique. Stay quiet and stay out of the groups until you have figured out the office politics.

[Star10101]

Originally Posted by sweetana3

You are new and dont know the history of the office. Always best to stay back and determine the office personality before starting to make judgements about the "weird" lady or the other workers.

It is always possible that in the past she did something to someone or to all of them that they cannot tolerate but since they are in a workplace, they must get along and do their jobs.

In that case, ask them what she did that was so bad.

[Mini-apple-less]

Us weirdos get the last laugh because it takes an unusual person to think of new things.