challenge the status quo

"There will always be individuals who challenge the status quo so it should come as no surprise a ban on something only adds fuel to the fire of rebellion and a threat to a person's sense of independence."

But if or when McDonnell decides to challenge the status quo, Yates said, “he’s going to be like everyone else, he’s going to get hammered.”

“Leather jackets can signal an edge: a willingness to break rules, do things differently and challenge the status quo,” says fashion stylist Sera Murphy.

“If they can do this to Marilyn Mosby, who had the audacity to challenge the status quo, they can do this to anybody.”

They represent an individual's ability to challenge the status quo and change.