Abnormality Normalized
According to Webster’s dictionary, the word “normal” can be defined as “Being approximately average or within certain limits in e.g. "a perfectly normal child"; "of normal intelligence"; "the most normal person I've ever met". Not abnormal”
Upon reading this definition I happen to recall an incident that took place just last week (Okay that is a lie, upon reading this, a million sarcastic remarks popped into my head simultaneously like balloons at a porcupine gala! But anyways, back to this incident…) A girl I know had decided to bunk math for the very first time along with the rest of her classmates and one of them cordially remarked, “Wow, I never thought you would bunk, you really are normal!” She gleamed with absolute pleasure in her eyes!
I cannot even begin to understand why one would take being called “approximately average” as a compliment! I mean what does that even mean? In simple English one would interpret this as being below average or nearly average. Have our standards truly dropped so much that being called normal shines out as the highlight of our month??
In the past “norms” were in fact quite understandable, for instance being respectful was a norm, showing kindness was a norm, dressing with modesty was an absolute norm. Perhaps those days “normal” had another definition. But today…Today’s normal is a complete paradox of the word. For example, crime in South Africa is considered a norm. When someone is murdered, robbed or raped the society brushes it off with a simple "Oh, that’s normal."
My advice to all would be this: the next time you are about to conform to a norm, just take a moment and analyze the situation with your magic kit upstairs (known widely as your brain) and if righteousness be the insanity and abnormality of society, then long live the insane, long live the abnormal!
Z...
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Of course, you need to act modestly and fulfill your social contract so that you don't appear arrogant. Sometimes conforming to norms that are less than satisfactory are how things get done, how we achieve our Pax Romanas and Eras of Good Feelings. Also, murder and rape in Africa is definitely seen with more of a sympathetic and discerning eye "today" than it was in the past, especially considering that much of these acts were committed by western countries themselves.
Food for thought.
Hi there Zawaa!
I'm afraid I'm going to have to dissent from the others here. I do like the message here, and I especially enjoyed the last paragraph. That said, I have some counterpoints and quibbles.
First off, the word "bunk" confused me because it is a slang term that is abnormal to me (see what I did there?
Secondly, I can see why being "normal" would be seen as good here. If she hadn't skipped, she would have been teased as a "goody two-shoes", "teacher's pet", etc. Bullying can be very powerful as a conforming force. Self-protection isn't really the same as being proud of average-ness.
Hm...now you're re-defining "average". This is similar to how some parents think about grades(A=Average, B=Below Average, C=Cut Off, D=Dead). This idea of average=below average can do some damage because not everyone can be above average. Be careful with how you use and define terms. Instead, I might provide examples of what "approximately average" could mean. For example: My kitchen is cleaner than 50% of all American kitchens.
I really dislike this simplification of the "good old days" that lots of people seem to be fond of. Society had just as many (or more) problems back then as we do today. Norms have changed, but that isn't always a bad thing.
The example of crime could be valid, but it seems a bit off-topic. The norms of society and how they should change is different from individuals following those norms. I'd focus on one or the other (probably individual since that seems stronger).
I realize this is long, but this piece would be stronger (and funnier) if it wasn't as easy to argue against. I'd consider focusing and then coming up with more compelling and/or humorous examples. Keep writing!
I love your writing style! The flow is perfect, kept me really interested.
'Normal' is a huge issue and not many people realize they're being insulted. I completely agree with you. I believe you really got your point across.
'I cannot even begin to understand why one would take being called “approximately average” as a compliment! I mean what does that even mean? In simple English one would interpret this as being below average or nearly average. Have our standards truly dropped so much that being called normal shines out as the highlight of our month?? '
This is my favorite part because its utterly true.
Anyways, this is great work.
Ahh, I liked this...
Normal is a huge issue these days, and many people take it as an insult (Well, I do anyways) and being normal now is considered something good apparently.
You bring many good points to mind, and I think this is really interesting.
I'm sure normal has changed by definition, as being nice and modest (Depends upon the person etc) can be considered normal, as these are things most people do.
Normal can mean, by average etc, as this is the Normal way things are done. Normally a review is written for a story or poem etc.
Abnormal is something that is not considered normal. Did you look into the definition as well? Because someone being abnormal, that is their norm. Yes! Even abnormal people can be normal!
Well, this brought many points across, and it's a wonderful piece..
Thanks!
Stay Abnormal!
Thanks,
pegasusgirl2