Why Cultural Norms Hold You Back

What is a cultural norm? Norms about

• What constitutes success?
• How should an adult navigate themselves in current times?
• We have to be productive for the economy
• We should not be too family focused
• What is acceptable sexuality?
• We should constantly learn from our past and plan for the future.
• We should all chase Money even though its not real
• Russian mail order brides is a bad thing

For some, cultural norms help us navigate social situations without constantly second-guessing ourselves. On the other, they can sometimes feel like invisible chains, holding us back from living our best lives. Listening to Alan Watts, learning another language, visiting another country - if you do these things, you will learn that our ‘norms’, are manufactured, and a result of christianity. There is shame around sex, a constant materialist pursuit, and we all should be productive. Is this the best way to navigate life?

““The meaning of life is just to be alive. It is so plain and so obvious and so simple. And yet, everybody rushes around in a great panic as if it were necessary to achieve something beyond themselves.”

― Alan Wilson Watts

Pressure to Conform: Ever feel like you’re constantly trying to fit into a mold? Cultural norms can make you feel like you have to act, dress, or even think a certain way to be accepted. It’s exhausting trying to keep up with everyone else’s expectations instead of just being yourself.

Stifles Individuality: When everyone’s following the same script, it’s hard to stand out. Cultural norms can squash creativity and individuality, making it tough for people to express their true selves. Imagine a world where everyone’s just a carbon copy of each other—boring, right?

Creates Inequality: Some cultural norms reinforce outdated and unfair hierarchies. Think gender roles, racial stereotypes, or class distinctions. These norms can keep people in boxes and limit opportunities, maintaining a status quo that benefits only a few.

Resistance to Change: Cultural norms can make societies resistant to change, even when change is necessary. They can keep us stuck in the past, clinging to traditions that might not make sense anymore. This resistance can slow progress and make it harder to address modern issues effectively.

Judgment and Exclusion: When you don’t fit the norm, you often face judgment or exclusion. Whether it’s about how you dress, your career choice, or your lifestyle, stepping outside the norm can invite criticism. This can create an environment where people are afraid to be different.

Mental Health Impact: Constantly feeling like you have to measure up to cultural expectations can take a toll on your mental health. It can lead to stress, anxiety, and a sense of inadequacy when you can’t (or don’t want to) meet these standards.

In conclusion, breaking free from them can be tough, but it’s often the key to living a more authentic and fulfilling life. If we look beyond what we consider 'good' and 'evil', we will see that prostitution was normalized in the roman empire, incest was totally okay, marriage is horrible, sex outside of marriage is not good, and many many other strange norms throughout history.

Being aware of the background noise of american culture can raise your awareness and raise your own life's purpose, by refocusing on the things that matter.

Stepping outside the U.S is very interesting. I recommend visiting Bulgaria and talking to random people. Our society is focused on presenting as happy 24/7, being hyper productive, and being an individual. Over there, they like to complain, they work less hours, they start families and they are a community. What sounds more fulfilling to you?