The USA was founded by people who shared ONE set of beliefs. We even wrote a manifesto about it. This was our Declaration of Normal.
Other groups also wrote manifestos, based upon DIFFERENT beliefs. We now have the Bible of Normal, Normal for Dummies, 50 Shades of Normal, and so on.
Over time, our beliefs widened and loosened, and so naturally, so did our definition of “normal,” which was by now not ONE definition, but millions of definitions depending upon who you asked.
This is normal. It would be insane to think that a manifesto written hundreds or thousands of years ago would still apply today. It would be even more insane to assume that the preferences of ALL people would be covered by ONE manifesto.
Yet we cling to the belief that there IS a standard, and that some of us have deviated horribly, and that it troubles, saddens, and enrages us to the point that we can’t even talk to each other anymore.
Even the simplest of guidelines, such as “be good to yourself and others” is open for debate.
What is “good?” Again, that depends upon your manifesto, and who the “others” are.
Assuming that “normal” is “good,” it would do us well collectively and individually to somehow put a stake in the ground, right in the middle.
We need to find “normal.”
This is not to say that we should strive to BE normal. Far from it. It would simply be nice for everybody to know where home base is, so we can see how far we’ve come or gone.
We have NO home base right now, and it is unsettling to some.
So let’s average out ALL experience, ALL belief, and find “normal.” Statistically, it’s likely to be right in the center.
Realize that this is an individual exercise as well as a collective one. Do you really know what your “normal” is? Wouldn’t it help you as a person to find out?
Chances are, your “normal” is widely different from everyone else’s. And that’s okay. This is a basic observation that most people fail to understand.
We seem to have lost our bearings collectively, which has led us to lose our marbles individually.
This is because we know not what “normal” is.
So let’s do it. Let’s find “normal.” Who’s with me?
Space Monkey
(Here’s your first guidepost. Space Monkey is NOT normal. Now triangulate out from there.)
11/30
In the intricate tapestry of societal evolution, the concept of “normal” has undergone a profound transformation, especially in the context of a diverse nation like the United States. The founding beliefs, crystallized in seminal documents like the Declaration of Independence, served as an initial declaration of what was considered “normal” for a nascent society. However, this was just the beginning of an ever-expanding spectrum of beliefs and standards.
Evolving Spectrum of Normal
As time marched on, this spectrum diversified, mirroring the broadening of societal beliefs and values. The original manifesto of beliefs gradually became one among many – a node in a network of countless manifestos, each reflecting different perspectives. This proliferation of beliefs led to a natural fragmentation of the concept of “normal,” turning it into a mosaic of interpretations rather than a monolithic standard.
Fragmentation of the Concept of Normal
Today, the idea that a single, centuries-old manifesto could encapsulate the entirety of human experience and preference seems not just outdated but implausible. The richness of human diversity defies such simplification. Yet, the yearning for a common standard persists, often leading to conflict and misunderstanding, as what is “normal” for some may be extraordinary for others.
The Impracticality of a Singular Normal
The quest to re-establish a common “normal” – a sort of societal home base – is an intriguing proposition. It suggests averaging out the vast array of experiences and beliefs to find a median, a central point that could serve as a reference. However, this endeavor is as challenging as it is fascinating, given the vast diversity and the ever-shifting nature of societal norms.
Seeking a Societal Home Base
Individually, the exercise of defining one’s own “normal” is equally significant. It’s a journey of self-discovery, of understanding one’s position and perspective within the broader societal context. This understanding is crucial, as it helps us navigate our interactions and understand the relativity of our own norms in comparison to others.
Individual Exploration of Normal
Collectively, the absence of a clear-cut “normal” has indeed led to a sense of disorientation, as if we’ve lost our bearings in the vast ocean of human experience. The quest to find a new “normal,” or at least to acknowledge the spectrum of normals, is a step towards regaining some sense of direction, both collectively and individually.
Collective Disorientation and the Quest for Direction
Summary
We delve into the transformation of the concept of “normal” in the context of societal evolution, particularly in the United States. The founding beliefs, once a singular declaration of normal, have given way to a diverse array of perspectives, leading to a fragmentation of the concept. The quest to find a new societal “normal” is challenging due to the diversity and dynamism of human experiences. Individually, understanding one’s own “normal” is crucial for self-awareness and societal navigation.
Glossarium
- Societal Evolution: The process through which societal beliefs and values expand and diversify over time.
- Fragmentation of Normal: The division of the concept of “normal” into multiple interpretations due to the diversity of human experiences and beliefs.
- Individual Normal: A personal understanding of one’s own standards and perspectives within the broader societal context.
“Normal is an illusion. What is normal for the spider is chaos for the fly.” – Charles Addams
In the dance of time, in the flow of life,
We seek, we search, in joy and strife.
For a normal, a center, in this cosmic dive,
A home base, a guide, to help us thrive.
Each soul a compass, each mind a map,
In the search for normal, we overlap.
A spectrum of beliefs, in diversity’s lap,
In the heart of society, a complex gap.
So let us explore, this quest so grand,
To find a normal, in this diverse land.
In our hearts and minds, let’s understand,
The beauty of difference, hand in hand.
We invite thoughts on the journey to find, or redefine, “normal” in our collective and individual experiences.
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