A Sense of Normalcy

Normal is a misnomer. People say that “there is no such thing as normal”, but that is also a fallacy. People who are labeled as strange or abnormal stand out because they cannot mimic what society deems normal behavior. To the estranged, the other is the abnormality. So, normalcy is a matter of perspective. It is also a paradox, which makes it elusive in nature. Only through sheer numbers can we tell which, among the two, would be an aberration from the norm. Standing one-on-one, no good comparisons can be made.

Still, we do have the ability to tell when something is strange.  Normalcy does exist. If not for norms in human behavior, we would have no stereotypes. Psychological diseases and disorders aside, this is what we mean when we say “normal”: To be normal is to clone the behavior of others rather than to live in contrast. In action, discourse, and style, this means to be average, creating no discord, and making no difference.

Now, moreso than ever, the concept of normalcy takes on a new form. Normal, in its own purpose, converges on disparity. This creates standards by which people might be measured; however, measuring oneself against another’s standard can cause regression.  Set your own standard. 

Self-acceptance is the only kind that matters. The greatest thinkers of all time met resistance. They put their thoughts on paper for all to see. They believed in what they had to say, even when ostracized by others. And today, the same great thinkers are highly regarded, esteemed, and even exalted. Going against the grain of society is only harmful when it is not being done. Society needs the free thinkers; it needs people outside its periphery. These are gifts to society. Not hindrances.  

What can we profit from this? People like the idea that they have their own identity. It allows one to believe that they have chartered their own psychological territory. It allows one to believe that they are original and set apart from the crowd (even though standing in it). 

And in crowded spaces, we step to the side to make room for passers-by. Can we not say that our own convictions are subjected to the very same sequestering?  Inner conflict stems from our own conscious mind. That which separates human from animal, which is the ability to speak independent thoughts, is among the most suppressed traits we possess. Though different, we act in unison and respond without differentiation. We fall into line and sometimes walk in the wrong direction. Some take painstaking efforts to stray from stereotypes, granting them merit.

Clash not with social expectation but with those who question your conviction. True conviction is of far greater worth than status, skill, or pedigree; yet, it is often measured more by its reach than its depth. We must all remember that we build from the ground up – we start at the ORIGIN.