What is normal?

How many times have we heard “This is not normal!”? Countless, probably. Although, what is considered normal is often subject to interpretation and societal norms. As human beings, we strive to understand and categorize the world around us, including ourselves and others. However, defining what is considered "normal" can be challenging, as it varies across different contexts, cultures, and individuals.

What may be considered normal in one culture or community might be perceived as abnormal in another. Therefore, normalcy is not an absolute or fixed concept but rather a fluid and context-dependent construct. Labeling things as normal or abnormal can lead to stigmatization and exclusion, possibly causing harm to those who do not fit the societal norms. Besides, this attitude oversimplifies the complexities of human experiences, which is what make us beautiful and unique in our own way.

We face pre-existing standards, such as behaviors, conditions, patterns, and more, that are considered usual or expected when we choose to live in society. It is fine to agree with those, we have come a long way to be able to have the right to do so. What is not right is when those norms are used to outcast people who cannot or do not fit into them. For the same reason one can accept and be fine with the "norms", others should have the right to not feel compelled to fit just so they will not be rejected.

With evolution, which we all are subjected to (wanting or not), come the changes in some concepts. As our culture, technology, and society advance, our perceptions gain a new perspective, and what was once considered normal in the past may be seen as archaic or outdated today. Such transformations challenge previously accepted norms, molding them to be a better fit for the present.

Politics, relationships, and social interactions are just a few areas where normalization, the process of considering certain behaviors or attitudes as normal, can have an impact on our opinions and choices. It can be difficult to determine what constitutes normal behavior because doing so requires knowing the social standards that exist in a particular place. Thus, it basically depends on where we are and to what we are exposed. Even within the same city, two people may have completely different standards. For instance, while dining out at a fine restaurant may be a typical occurrence for one individual, in the same city we would probably find someone who has never been to a fine restaurant.

Old habits die hard, I know. Deconstructing something that has always been presented to us as an absolute truth is not an easy task. The black and white that we used to see is now coming in shades of gray. Nonetheless, we are all capable of changing, even if that takes time, and it doesn’t matter how much or how long; the important thing is that we keep going.

Equity is an essential component of diversity, focusing on fairness and justice in creating opportunities and recognizing that individuals may require different support systems or accommodations to thrive and achieve their full potential. Practiced inclusion will create an environment where individuals feel valued, respected, and empowered to participate fully. By valuing and harnessing the unique qualities, experiences, and perspectives of individuals, we can unlock the full potential of human innovation, creativity, and progress.

Recognizing and embracing diversity is a vital aspect of building a stronger society. Each individual possesses a distinctive combination of qualities, experiences, and perspectives that contribute to the rich tapestry of human existence. Accepting and valuing individuality allows us to move away from rigid expectations of normality and appreciate the diverse range of human potential. In doing so, diversity becomes a catalyst for innovation, creativity, and progress, leading to a flourishing society.