I got inspired to write on this topic because of today's sexuality education talk on homosexuality...
So, what does being normal mean to you? To me, being normal is just being myself. I think that people see being normal as "fitting in" with the people around you, and their actions. Being "normal" is just not to stick out of the crowd and be different. When you do things differently or act differently from others, you are "abnormal" as you do not fit with the crowd. When you do not be in the majority, people will start picking on you. However, usually, you are being called "out of the norm" when you possess a certain quality that most, or all the rest of the people do not have. Hence, they get jealous or feel that you are a thorn in the neck, and want to "remove" you. These people feel that you are straying from the so-called acceptable path and think that it is within their right to chastise you for being a different person from them.
Also, in our society nowadays, certain gangster groups require their "new members" to go through a certain test. Only then can they be considered a member of their gang. This is an example of the things that you have to do to "fit in" with the majority. Otherwise, you are considered as different and atypical.
The definition of being "normal" can change with time. An example would be about fashion. 20 years old, people dressed very differently from us now. If one day someone dressed in an old-fashioned manner in the streets, in a "twenty-years-ago' manner, people would look at him, thinking of him as atypical and weird. Hence, there is no fixed definition of being normal and it all depends on the majority. However, I feel that as long as you are righteous and moral, being yourself is fine. Just do not be ridiculous. Be happy being yourself!
Ow Yong
ReplyDeleteYou're only as good as you think you are, and I guess you're only as normal as you perceive yourself to be.
It's fine being yourself, as long as you are righteous and moral. The thing is, how many of us here and now are righteous and moral?
The challenge comes not with recognising yourself. I feel that the real challenge comes with staying yourself even when you are mocked for it by the majority.
J
J
ReplyDeleteSounds like courage...
Yes, I agree.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, all that matters is that you do the best you can and if you perform out of the norm or different, well, then it's just to bad for others.
As long as you work earnestly and be true to yourself, that isw all that matters. Be normal like you said, why act?
So, I'll just give an example that appeared in my mind after reading the first paragraph.
For example, Bryan, the homosexual, is not accepted into society, he spends all his time hiding in his house. And on International Gay Day, his travels overseas to celebrate.
But seriously, in this short paragraph, it is possible to see that Bryan hides at home, not being himself at all. What he needs to do is go out, and be himself. Like everyday is international gay day.
But seriously seriously, I like your blog post. The points are well elaborated, you state your evidence and link. Just like an essay. I think it's a good job well done. Looking forward to more.
martin