It is a common phrase in our societies: Act normal. Often, we overlook the actual meaning of this supposedly average word. But, when one really ponders, they are ought to be stuck at what truly is the definition of normal. Generally, it is defined as people conforming to the norms of society, regularly occurring behavior that becomes accepted in society. However, in terms of human behavior, can we really define what normal is, and hence therefore where the line between normal and abnormal is drawn? Since normality is relative, what may seem normal to one person might be abnormal for another, the fundamental question is dealt upon us: What really is normal?First, let us discuss what societies in general perceive normal behavior to be. A society expects the individuals to conform to the norms.
It is continually attempting to establish a pattern of behaviour, attire, philosophy or attitude. Now, since everyone has a different sense of such issues, it is difficult, or perhaps impossible, to set the bar for what behavior is normal. Normal is considered something different for the people who refuse to conform to the norms of society. Even though crime is usually established as an abnormal act, it may be seen as normal from the viewpoint of the thief. Hence, we can conclude that while crime is immoral, there is uncertainty over whether it is a normal behavior or not. Such a situation generalizes to all matters of life. Take the life of the average teen, for example. If one does not act according to the trends and norms of the majority of the teens in society, would such a person be considered abnormal? Hence, we understand that there is conflict in the comprehension of the term normal; it is relative and dependent upon various perceptions.
Moreover, there is conflict of the idea of normality across cultures and religions. What is perceived as normal in one society may be perceived as abnormal in another. Consider, for example, the common practice in the Chinese culture of consuming dog meat. Such a custom, although quite normal for the Chinese, would be considered abnormal in most other cultures, for example in the West. Different ideas suit different people- that is what negates normality and makes each one of us different. Similarly, Muslims do not consider consuming pork as normal whereas Hindus do not consider consuming beef to be normal. So, our societies and upbringings help us shape who we are and enable us to differentiate between the normal and abnormal. In terms of nature, every person is born with a set of emotions, for example, love, jealousy, anger etc. Although it would be considered normal to possess such qualities, the issue arises over the matter of expressing these emotions. How far can a person go in expressing his or her anger while staying in the realm of normality? Who draws that boundary of normality? It is all based on perception and opinion. It is hence impossible to create a universal definition of normality.
Therefore, I put forward the idea that since each person is by nature distinct, no one should be dictated to act normal- in this case we will use the general definition that only one who conforms to norms is considered normal. When everyone is by birth different, why shall we not act differently rather than strive to imitate others? By encouraging this perceived normal behavior, we suppress the mindset of individuals. They are forced to think and work inside the frame created by society- to adopt similar ideas, beliefs and professions. This creates imbalance in society, as the extremes would not exist. What would be of the exceptional people then if everyone is expected to act normal? The uniqueness of each individual is therefore suppressed by society.
If, contrarily, people are encouraged to act differently, we can have a range of different ideas and theories. Adopting the perceived normal behavior makes our lifestyles monotonous and repetitive. What would then differentiate us from others? If everyone is at the middle of the scale then who would occupy the extremes? I believe that people must adopt each side of the scale, the middle or normal part and the two extremes. Only then would a balance be created. Individuals would be fostered to think differently, and new ideas would flourish.
Imagine the world inside a box and that everyone in the world is expected to restrict their vision to the confinements of the box. Only the one who looks beyond the box would have different, refreshing views and ideas, while the ones confined inside the box would be considered normal or average. Let us not use the cookie-cutter mentality; individuals cannot simply be shaped according to what the society perceives to be normal, leaving out those with conflicting views and ideas as outcasts. The idea of normality is an illusion-each member of society, by nature, is different and distinct in their own way. This diversity is after all what constitutes a society.
https://anewdimensionblog.wordpress.com/2015/12/24/what-is-normal/
