The Malleability of Normality: A Perspective on Dysfunction
Understanding the concept of normality has evolved over time, much like the perspectives that shape it. The idea that 'normal' is subjective has been brilliantly articulated by many, including the character of Morticia Addams, who famously remarked, 'Normal is subjective. What is normal to the spider is horror to the fly.' This sentiment encapsulates the essence of how we perceive norms through our personal and collective experiences.
Defining Normality
Normality is not a rigid construct but a fluid concept that is shaped by perspective. The more common something is, the more it is desensitized and considered normal within a particular context. Conversely, when something is rare or uncommon, it is often viewed as abnormal. This distinction is crucial in understanding how our societal norms are established and maintained.
The universe is vast and diverse, and from a cosmic standpoint, life itself is an extraordinary anomaly. Yet, for us, life on Earth is the norm. The activities and roles that constitute 'normal' can vary widely even within our species. For instance, living in a house, having a job, and owning a 401k plan in a capitalist society is considered normal. However, in the grand scheme of the animal kingdom, it is quite abnormal.
What is Not Normal...
When people say something is not normal, they mean it in reference to their own expectations. It's important to recognize that normality is relative to the individual or group's norm. To illustrate, consider the perspective of a bird, which considers flying normal, while swimming is more normal for a fish, and walking is what we, humans, consider normal.
In a broader sense, I see myself as more on the normal side of the spectrum. While I am generally an average, nerdy individual, I possess traits that set me apart. We all have unique characteristics that make us distinct from one another, even within a group of a hundred random people. However, some of these traits may be less common.
Exploring Unique Traits
Some of my unique traits include being a fan of anime, identifying as a goth, being a furry, having natural red hair, and considering myself an artist. While these traits might make me stand out to some degree, the likelihood of someone else ticking all of these boxes is quite low. However, it's not insanely rare to find someone who shares at least one of these traits.
Other traits that are less common but still exist are my preference for a 'color' that is holographic, enjoying Code Red Mountain Dew, and my pansexuality as a transman. The intersection of these traits is even more unique. It's rare to find someone with all these traits in tandem, but there are indeed people who resonate with these experiences.
On a day-to-day basis, my life is typical in many ways. I go to work most days, engage in video games, and spend time with friends. Music and my phone are daily parts of my life, and I dream of turning my artistic hobbies into a career. If you met me on the street or got to know me, I'd be a pretty average American guy overall, though with a few distinct abnormalities woven into my fabric.
Ultimately, we are all a blend of the average and the unique. This article serves to highlight that normality is a subjective and constantly evolving concept, one that can be fascinating to explore from different perspectives.