People, in general like the confirmation of their own methods/lifestyle/beliefs. They seek this confirmation in other people. The more people they meet that have the same thought as their, the stronger their beliefs get. The more opposing views they are confronted with, the less they are inclined to hold that thought. So they accept the more popular view. They find comfort in numbers.
The problem with such a behavior is that it has no substantial basis. There is no emphasis on truth. In such a system a thought is accepted merely on the basis of its popularity, not because it makes sense. Problem with this is obvious, if someone successfully convinces the majority of a certain false thought, then it is to stay forever in the system without being questioned(in a perfect version of this system). If someone is convincing enough they can bury the truth.
This is basically the system we live in.
"Popular" is more important than "true". What happens is that people have a natural tendency to be stable/unchanged, that is why they accept an opinion that is least likely to get opposition. People don't like disagreeing with anyone, especially someone they like. Even discussions on topics they hold dear are unwelcome. Some people get violent, some people get evasive, what they essentially do is make it difficult for someone with a different opinion to interact with them. See a circle forming?
That's the circle of sheep.
Well, I just made that name up but the concept is real(comment if you disagree).
So how do you get out of the circle? Take the tangent. Accept that people will have different views about different things and you don't necessarily have to agree with everyone. Be yourself and hold on to convictions that appeal to you the most, keep them rational too if possible. Remember that the majority is not always right and that the right might not always appeal most to majority. Keep it peaceful(at least with friends and family), violence will make you unpleasant in their eye and that will make it difficult for "them" to tolerate your presence. Which is essentially you alienating yourself. Though there's nothing bad in being a lone rider, it helps if you aren't hated by everyone. ;)
In short, stop giving fucks! Listen if you want to and accept if it's better than your current stance. You don't HAVE to do anything, there's always a choice.
So now my question is: Who are "you"? still a sheep?