Off the Cuff / My Other Journal

Normal? Just What Do You Mean by That?

I have to ask: Is there such a thing as “normal”? If the definition of normal depends on the habitual actions and the usual accustomed circumstances surrounding a concept or a being, can what’s normal for one person or concept be normal for another?

Entire sections of industries, of any kind, grossing billions of dollars are built on the words "normal" and "abnormal" and on the ideas of "well" and "disordered." Yet, how do we know what is normal or abnormal or if the right thing can be done for the so-called abnormal (sometimes to mean undesirable) so that the situation can change?

What bugs me the most about the word normal is that what is normal for one person or situation may not be normal for another. This, however, doesn’t mean that defined parameters of behavior are not there. All of us have different fears, quirks, likes, dislikes, ups, and downs, but some expected behaviors and reactions to situations also exist. These may mean an everyday reaction to a special circumstance of life or a serious mental health issue. This mostly depends on the person assessing the situation.

In addition, the expected reaction of behavior of one group of people or countrymen may not be the same as another. Thumbs up may mean victory to us, whereas in Thailand it means condemnation or an insult, equal to sticking out your tongue at someone.

If we take normal to mean average, even that average depends on the person, circumstances, group, placement, and special considerations. In such a case, the word normal would serve to establish a standard. For example in math, it may mean “at right angles, or perpendicular, “whereas in biology it shows a natural occurrence--with reservations to the surrounding facts.

This May was not a “normal” month for me in WdC because of the GoT games. In this case, although I checked in every day which is my normal behavior, I accelerated my reviewing and put my personal writing on hold. On the other hand, normal for another WdC member may mean checking into the site only twice a week and not entering any contests, plus doing little or no reviewing.

The word normal does not mean simple either. Some people have defined Forrest Gump, from the movie, as being a simple-minded man. Yet, Gump has strong morals, a heart of gold, and unshakable loyalty, and he doesn’t judge or punish people he loves and is not prejudiced at all. If Gump is simple and us with fully functioning minds are the 'normal' ones, then it seems what Forrest is lacking is the prejudice and anger that the so-called “normal” people live with every day. Still, it is normal to Forrest Gump the way Forrest Gump is, and the way we usually are--which changes with time and circumstance--is normal for us.

And if you ask me what my “normal” is, I have to say even my so-called “normal” is not normal, because I like change, as life, in its essence, depends on change.

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Prompt: Define what "Normal" means to you.