Identify and Conform - By Raleigh Demers

Written By: Raleigh Demers

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Raleigh Demers presents "Identify and Conform," a compelling poetic exploration submitted for the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This work delves into the intricacies of identity and conformity within societal frameworks. Demers's poetry invites readers to reflect on the pervasive influence of authority and the enduring impact of colonialism, urging a reevaluation of ingrained beliefs and values.

About the Work

"Identify and Conform" challenges the reader to consider the nature of identity in a world governed by authority and materialism. Through vivid imagery and a poignant literary style, Demers critiques the societal norms that dictate human behavior. The poem's reflective tone encourages introspection on the constructs of class, race, and gender, and their roles in shaping individual and collective identities.

Identify and Conform

Original Submission by Raleigh Demers

Identify and Conform:

In this reality of severance, identity identifies individuality.

Individually conforming to the imagination of superiority.

Humanity collectively identifies with the systems of authority.

Disregarding the intuitive obligations of conscious morality.

Morally bankrupt with a parasitic values system.

Systematically conditioned with beliefs and religions.

Religiously stuck in ideologies and idealism.

Identities conforming to concepts of colonialism.

Colonial confusion adding value to materialism..

Materialistically identifying to ideas of class.

From luxurious lifestyles, to existing in trash.

Separating humans on the basis of cash.

Shallow mentalities seeking shiny and fast.

So how can identity and conformity last?

Conforming to the systems, that they paved in the past?

Setting up perimeters, so that colors can clash.

Or distracting all the masses with celebrity flash.

Don’t get me started on gender and race.

If we switching to those subjects, lemme slow down the pace.

This is where identity gets foggy and gray.

And I already know, you ain’t trying to hear what I say.

Saying anyway.

Basically the memory has collectively forgotten.

And what has been forgotten, is our connection to the problem.

The problem is forgetting, what and who we truly are.

Human beings, or the dust of a fallen star..

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, is a prestigious event celebrating diverse voices in poetry and creative writing worldwide. The competition provides a platform for writers to share their unique perspectives and connect with a global audience, fostering creativity and cultural exchange.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Raleigh Demers for sharing "Identify and Conform" with us. Your participation in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 adds depth to the conversation on identity and societal norms. We appreciate your thought-provoking contribution and look forward to more insightful work in the future.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.