Tuesday, September 26, 2023

What's Wrong with Normal

Normal

What is it? Merriam-Webster's first definition for normal is "conforming to a type, standard, or regular pattern: characterized by that which is considered usual, typical, or routine" (Merriam-Webster). 

Why is it that Merriam-Webster can put a definition to this word? One could easily go down a rabbit hole researching terms that are a part of "normal" definition. For example, what is standard, regular, typical, or usual?

It is my firm belief that "normal" is in fact not normal. My normal is different than someone else's whose normal is still different from someone else's. It is an endless cycle of not normal.

It all depends on our perspectives and perceptions. A prime example of different normals are the differences in deaf people's lives and hearing people's lives. A hearing person considers hearing music, conversations, and talking normal. They ask deaf people what it's like not being normal and not being able to hear. Deaf people respond simply that being deaf is normal to them. They consider normal to be silence, different kinds of conversations, and signing. They could ask hearing people the same question, why aren't you normal and sign like us?

Again, normal isn't a standard that everybody has to follow. Everyone's daily routine and pattern is different, my typical is different from yours, and standards shouldn't be a thing.

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