"Group conformity scares the pants off me because it's so often a prelude to cruelty towards anyone who doesn't want to - or can't - join the Big Parade"

This quote by Bette Midler speaks to the risks of group conformity. It suggests that when individuals conform to a group, it can lead to ruthlessness towards those who don't wish to or can't join the group. This is a warning against the power of groupthink, which can lead to a lack of critical thinking and a propensity to follow the crowd. It can also result in an absence of empathy and understanding for those who are various or do not fit in. Group conformity can be an effective force, but it can also lead to a lack of individualism and a lack of respect for those who are various. It is essential to keep in mind that everybody is unique and should be appreciated, no matter whether or not they conform to a group.