Does anyone else dislike the term normal?

[leo06girl]

I wasn't sure whether to post this in here or in the Debate section.

I was just curious if there is anyone who dislikes the term "normal" when used in certain situations as much as I do?

Examples:
Saying being gay is not normal.
Saying someone who doesn't do drugs, or drink is not normal.
There was even a girl in my high school who said (talking about teens in high school) that those of us who concentrated on school and not partying and sex were not normal.
I have even been told that I was not normal because I hate ice cream, popsicles, and noodles.

It just bugs me because I have noticed a lot of people can't understand that (in a lot of cases) what is normal for one, may not be normal for another.

[Drakesecaravdis]

totally being normal is vastly overrated as I always say.

[annoainthere]

Who is to say what is normal? My friends call me weird and strange a lot - but to me what I have done to be called weird/strange is normal to me. So I'm weird and I like it! \(^o^)/

In addition to my silliness above - I think everyone is normal in their own minds and the only way we differentiate between each other is by measuring each other against our own view of normality.

Being normal is just a state - having unique qualities is the tricky part...

[DigitalSympathies]

I've received a valuable insight from a close friend on this subject very recently. Nothing is normal because the view of "normal" varies so often, and thus does not have a valid, to-the-letter example that pertains to its definition in any number of dictionaries. Opinion interferes with opinion. Existence keeps on existing. And so on.

[ElementMK]

Anyone who doesn't like normalcy is a freakin' weirdo.

[Ive]

1.
conforming to the standard or the common type; usual; not abnormal; regular; natural.

b. conforming to the conventions of one's group

You could sort of say that they are right. As for example being gay is not the majority or the most common when it comes to sexuality.

But it's the way that the word normal is being misused, as if you are not "normal" then you are some sort of outcast. It has a negative tone to it.

And besides its so hard to find out what is regular or common. If you take the normal stereotypes of teenagers, wouldn't the people who concentrated on school be in the majority and therefore more common? How is it measured, by school, family, town or the world?

It all varies to who says it. I've been called not normal because I like rock and video games. But then so does a hell of a lot of people so to me it's not an insult. But for them it was supposed to be.

[music2ologist]

I am abnormal, in that I cannot digest milk. It gives me a bellyache. Hey, wait a minute! Millions of Chinese can't digest it either. Drinking the milk of another species is definitely an acquired ability. It's you milk-drinkers who are the weirdoes. Sucking up stuff that has passed through a cow! Eugh! How disgusting, and how abnormal!

[maxon]

Normal is the most abused word in the English language (IMO). And god knows I'm fussy about word usage, grammar and spelling.

[hannahmh87]

:D I am weird and proud. Being normal requires too much effort and energy and I just can't be bothered :rolleyes:.

[VerDeTerre]

I'm ok with normal in the general sense of the word. I'm not sure if I'm comfortable with it when used as a measure or rule for dictating behavior. I'm also distinctly uncomfortable with those who aspire to conform. Unimaginative sheep, the lot of them (and I like sheep, but people...really!) Frankly, "normal" people scare me.

[haricots]

Normal is relative. This human plane is relative. Time is relative. EVERYTHING IS RELATIVE! *mymindjustblow*

[SpookyOkyBatGirl]

Normal can be explained in many different ways, especially depending on what context you put it in and how you personally define it. Somebody may find people who are very focused on school normal (generally somebody who focuses a lot of school as well) or completely weird (somebody who doesn't think school is important.)

[Rawra]

I am normal. Wait... no, I'm not! :yaoming:

But seriously, though, who is to say what is and what isn't normal? To me, sleeping 'till late in the morning is normal. To people who wake up early, that is normal. You can't tell me I am abnormal just because I don't fit your standards of 'normality'.

[piggypeach]

Normal is relative. This human plane is relative. Time is relative. EVERYTHING IS RELATIVE! *mymindjustblow*

I'm sorry but since your avatar is Patrick Star, every time I read your posts I will mentally read them in Patrick's voice.

[leo06girl]

1.
conforming to the standard or the common type; usual; not abnormal; regular; natural.

b. conforming to the conventions of one's group

You could sort of say that they are right. As for example being gay is not the majority or the most common when it comes to sexuality.

But it's the way that the word normal is being misused, as if you are not "normal" then you are some sort of outcast. It has a negative tone to it.

And besides its so hard to find out what is regular or common. If you take the normal stereotypes of teenagers, wouldn't the people who concentrated on school be in the majority and therefore more common? How is it measured, by school, family, town or the world?

It all varies to who says it. I've been called not normal because I like rock and video games. But then so does a hell of a lot of people so to me it's not an insult. But for them it was supposed to be.


If we're going by the definition you gave, then everything is normal; and weird, strange, unusual, etc, don't exist. Because everyone and everything is generally accepted by a different group or as the definitions put it "conform's to the convention's of one's group."
Those who are similar tend to group together, making them the majority of that particular group.

Example:
In HS, those of us who just concentrated on school, and did not party, do drugs, or sleep around were considered abnormal by those who did. A lot of us sat together at lunch, but two girls who were partiers and slept around sat with us too. So that would make the "nerds" the majority/normality at that particular moment. Just like if one or two of us sat with the druggies, the druggies would then be the majority.

In a lot of cases, normal does not exist.

[whiterider]

Anyone who doesn't like normalcy is a freakin' weirdo.Normality, god fracking damnit. :wtf:

[JDacapo]

I'm not normal - I love to see sims get abducted and alien pregnant, and turn into other various creatures. I also hate the very idea of a sim being cured of witchery. I would also like to become a witch if it meant being able to make butterflies appear, refresh all my motives so I could fool around or study all night while everyone else sleeps... and of course make some cool things and fly on a broom.

[ElementMK]

Normality, god fracking damnit. :wtf:Both are acceptable (http://grammarist.com/usage/normalcy-normality/), but "normalcy" is the abnormal form of the word.

Wait a minute ...
http://i.imgur.com/fCDB8.gif
I'M NOT NORMAL NOOOOO

[frankokomando]

I am me. I highly doubt I'm considered "normal".

[paksetti]

I am the only normal one here, you can tell because my avatar is a dude with a cleaver in his head.

[leo06girl]

I am me. I highly doubt I'm considered "normal".

I feel the exact same way. If anyone (and there are several who have told me so) considers me not normal, it's their problem, not mine; because they are they ones with a problem with, who are complaining about it NOT me. As a matter of fact, I take it as a complement when certain people tell me I am not normal, because I would hate to be what they consider normal.

[vhanster]

I am abnormal, in that I cannot digest milk. It gives me a bellyache. Hey, wait a minute! Millions of Chinese can't digest it either. Drinking the milk of another species is definitely an acquired ability. It's you milk-drinkers who are the weirdoes. Sucking up stuff that has passed through a cow! Eugh! How disgusting, and how abnormal!

It appears that your body doesn't have adequate amount of lactase to fully break down and digest the lactose consumed from milk. That's not abnormal really. :Pint:

[Shoosh Malooka]

In most of the examples you provided, the person using the term 'not normal' is using it as a device to shove others into the deviant box. That way they can feel they belong in the special club, away from the deviants. This is one of many ways human beings do to get that self-satisfied feeling, it think it is somehow a way to deal with cognitive dissonance. I can't articulately explain how because I can't wrap my head around it right now. To much Torchlight and Fallout: New Vegas.

And that girl at your high school, this is her narrow thinking in terms of cool and uncool. Her advice is qa qa.

[whiterider]

Oh, it's not that normalcy isn't a word, it's just that it's a horrid ugly word with no rhythm or flow whatsoever.

[haricots]

I'm sorry but since your avatar is Patrick Star, every time I read your posts I will mentally read them in Patrick's voice.

That makes me sound a bit abnormal, eh?
Meh, you're more normal than me. Me, Patrick, is awesome. Like UH-SUUUUUUUM!

For me, normality did not exist. You cannot define completely what is normal. You cannot make everyone on this freakin' goddamn Earth to agree with a definition for 'normal'. :jest:

[TortureTheNannies]

One in a thousand people are actually normal. Does anyone have the "normal" weight for their height, not even five pounds different? What is a normal language, Chinese or English? 50% of the world does not speak them. Normal health, with no problems? Everyone has some disorder, difference, or illness. Normal psychology? No quirks, no idiosynchracies, and no fetish? Very few people are that "normal" .. I've read a book with this logic. Only a Trillion, by Isaac Asimov. I said one in a thousand. Asimov says one in a trillion.

[hannahmh87]

One in a thousand people are actually normal. Does anyone have the "normal" weight for their height, not even five pounds different? What is a normal language, Chinese or English? 50% of the world does not speak them. Normal health, with no problems? Everyone has some disorder, difference, or illness. Normal psychology? No quirks, no idiosynchracies, and no fetish? Very few people are that "normal" .. I've read a book with this logic. Only a Trillion, by Isaac Asimov. I said one in a thousand. Asimov says one in a trillion.

I am underweight, I do speak English, I have health problems, and I am completely mental.

Like I said I am weird and proud...

...unless I am normal and everyone else is weird :wtf:

[crocobaura]

One in a thousand people are actually normal. Does anyone have the "normal" weight for their height, not even five pounds different? What is a normal language, Chinese or English? 50% of the world does not speak them. Normal health, with no problems? Everyone has some disorder, difference, or illness. Normal psychology? No quirks, no idiosynchracies, and no fetish? Very few people are that "normal" .. I've read a book with this logic. Only a Trillion, by Isaac Asimov. I said one in a thousand. Asimov says one in a trillion.

Actually, everyone has some disorder, differece, quirk or fetish. That is considered normal (within certain limits, of course).

[TortureTheNannies]

Most people think "normal" is "without any quirks or disorders" . i think "normal" should mean "the most popular statistical category" .. In the most people sense, Asimov is right : nobody is normal. The vast majority of us do have something odd, as you say. But that's why he says "perfectly normal" is one in a trillion.

[crocobaura]

Most people think "normal" is "without any quirks or disorders" . i think "normal" should mean "the most popular statistical category" .. In the most people sense, Asimov is right : nobody is normal. The vast majority of us do have something odd, as you say. But that's why he says "perfectly normal" is one in a trillion.


If the majority defines what "normal" is, then "perfectly normal" is, in fact, the exception to the rule. :lol:

[HarVee]

The dire truth is, no one is normal and no one can be normal when there is so many definitions that are used to supposedly define being normal.

[lisfyre]

I am abnormal, in that I cannot digest milk. It gives me a bellyache. Hey, wait a minute! Millions of Chinese can't digest it either. Drinking the milk of another species is definitely an acquired ability. It's you milk-drinkers who are the weirdoes. Sucking up stuff that has passed through a cow! Eugh! How disgusting, and how abnormal!

I think it's called being lactose intolerant and I know a few people who can't drink milk due to allergies and to lactose intolerance.

Normal is what society as a whole defines whatever is normal for that place and time. It's subjective. So... I don't subscribe to normal. I am who I am - I don't commit atrocities, murders, I try to get along with everyone but don't succeed all the time and I'm comfortable in my own skin. As long as you don't succumb to peer pressure as to "what's normal" in their sphere of influence and be true to yourself, you're a winner.

[Shoosh Malooka]

I also don't like that 'those things are for girls' and 'those things are for boys.'

Cooking is for girls. What, I make some chicken tetrazzini and I should feel ashamed? A woman can't be a math wiz because that's for guys? Danica McKellar would like a word.

[leo06girl]

In most of the examples you provided, the person using the term 'not normal' is using it as a device to shove others into the deviant box. That way they can feel they belong in the special club, away from the deviants. This is one of many ways human beings do to get that self-satisfied feeling, it think it is somehow a way to deal with cognitive dissonance. I can't articulately explain how because I can't wrap my head around it right now. To much Torchlight and Fallout: New Vegas.

And that girl at your high school, this is her narrow thinking in terms of cool and uncool. Her advice is qa qa.

Do you actually think I took her advice and cared what she thought? I was just using it as an example. In fact, I seen it as a compliment when she said I was not normal, because I would HATE to be what she considered "normal".

I also don't like that 'those things are for girls' and 'those things are for boys.'

Cooking is for girls. What, I make some chicken tetrazzini and I should feel ashamed? A woman can't be a math wiz because that's for guys? Danica McKellar would like a word.

In a lot of cases, I don't either. I still have all my original Polly Pocket stuff (a lot of it) and every time my nephews come over, they play with it. I also still have all my Barbie clothes and one doll, once they wanted to dress her up, so I let them. I thought nothing of it, but they don't have those toys at home, so it's something new.

[harmonee_el]

There is nothing wrong with Normal!

[paksetti]

I also don't like that 'those things are for girls' and 'those things are for boys.'

Cooking is for girls. What, I make some chicken tetrazzini and I should feel ashamed?

Get back in the kitchen and make me a sandwich, woman.

[Rawra]

Cooking is for girls. What, I make some chicken tetrazzini and I should feel ashamed? A woman can't be a math wiz because that's for guys? Danica McKellar would like a word.

Well, I can't cook for my life and, when I was little, I played with cars and action figurines.

[Dimension_E310]

There is no such thing as normal :>

[BlakeS5678]

Normal? NORMAL! How DARE YOU! You little normal bitch you!

'Round these parts normal's the "N" word.

It's a vicious cycle you see?

If someone's normal the're weird.

If the're weird the're normal.

Read that five times and I promise your brain will EXPLODE.

[Yazoo]

I agree with Dimension_E310, there is no normal at all. If everyone was "normal" This world would be so boring. SOOOOOOOOOO BORING! Because we should be allowed individualism. Be ourselves, because that's all we can be. And highly doubt anyone is "normal." Hell, I rather be a freak of awesomeness, then be "normal" any day.

There is no normal. Its what you make of yourself. :D

[BlakeS5678]

I agree with Levera, humans are creative creatures, not meant to be alike each other. There's over 7 BILLION people on this earth and not a single one is exactly the same as another.

[Johnny_Bravo]

You can't describe people as 'normal' because no one is normal.

[SommarBlomma]

By saying "normal" people actually mean something acceptable within their group, somethng that fits into their standards, so"normal" can vary across age groups, cultures, social strata... There's no universal meaning of this word, so, why bother muself with trying to fit into normal? Anyway, I sometimes care about being "normal" , esp. when it comes to formal situations, or when I am among strangers, inan unknown environment, etc. I know it is better for me to abide the behavior rules, dress appropriately for formal situations, etc. Caring about "normality" usually makes me waaay too shy (seriously, I can't say a word among strangers, I need time to adjust ). However, in informal situations (among friends, with intimate partners, with family) I don't care a damn whether i'm normal or not, I am just me, I look and behave the way I want, say whatever I please, am quite straightforward, and never even think about something about me being strange or weird.

[Mistermook]

It's a word. Sometimes it's a useful word. Disliking it doesn't change anything, because it's not the term that you're having an issue with but the sociological implications of the word as people use it to highlight differences that they're then utilizing as social bludgeons. I doubt very many people here are categorically and overwhelmingly abnormal. That's okay. People like to think that it's what each of us brings to the table that makes us different that makes us special, because that's a wonderfully quaint thing we pass around as important. That people believe it, that makes them pretty normal. But what really sets humans apart isn't what's different between each of us, but all of the millions of ways we've all got something we share with other people. Individual humans kind of suck, because a talking monkey that uses the internet is interesting but it's not really world changing.

Our social nature, people being people together, that's what's awesome about people. It's overwhelmingly normal and utterly amazing. That we also use our shared experiences to promote just enough differences that we're also innovating and confrontational and all that interesting I mentioned earlier, it's absolutely astounding. Not being normal doesn't make you better than everyone else, not being normal only means you're not seeing just how normal you are for most of us. Because not being normal isn't good, it's sad. It suggests you're not part of the grand network of humanity being humans, and however flawed that might ever be or become it's still the path to the future. Which brings things back to the folks trying to push the word onto people - it's a way of attempting to marginalize folks. An awful lot of our most powerful social tools are essentially about concepts of exile, which is probably a very big clue why being part of things is better than not being part of the group. But hey, it's a big world and it's a pretty inclusive world.

Unless you self-exile or somehow lack requisite bits for being a part of humanity's big picture, no matter what some asshole tries to say or suggest you're still right in the thick of things. Ignore it, but don't buy into it - normal is other people, and you're almost certainly other people too. Embrace your normal, flaunt it, force the world to acknowledge it and champion the things that matter to the normal to everyone who possibly disagrees with you with the loudest, clearest voice possible. Normal isn't about you, it's about everyone else. Don't let the world silence your input into the dialog of who we all are, the fewer voices we allow into our amazing human conversation the more we diminish the essence of what makes us uniquely human.

[gabrielorie]

Actually anyone can be normal, it's just based on what your view of normal is.
Though i've never been called normal, and this is based on a lot of people's opinions xD

[SuicidiaParasidia]

i think the more accurate term would be "among the most recognizably common occurrences among people of our culture". but people are too lazy to say that every time.

normalcy is a comfort idea, not necessarily an actuality. like uniqueness.