What Does It Mean To Be Normal?

2006-09-10T18:45:00.000-07:00

Does it mean to be typical or common? The word was first used to describe mathematical constants, yet today is applied to an accepted human condition or presence.

In 1650, the word normal was used to describe compliance with a right angle in relation to a carpenter's square or simply conformity to what it is to be a right angle. It was not until 1828 that it was used in terms of societal relations and being a "usual" person.

This definition has a sever flaw. How can a mathematical fact be associated with something as plausible and pliable as personality? This argument is very passé in that it has been explored and argued to the point of becoming a constant cliché represented in every form of expression known to man. Film, literature, music; all tackle the subject of not fitting in, yet still there seems to be a need to ask "what is normal?

Upon entering a new social setting, one may tend to feel like an outcast from any or all of the groups around him or her. This slow and awkward initiation into a "scene" may appear to be a completely unique and lonely experience. That shit just ain't true. In fact, this feeling of isolation is an experience that unifies us with each other, and is a complete universal occurrence. To feel aberrant or abnormal is normal. Novelty is a farce. To illustrate these feelings this blog has been created to give anonymous individuals an outlet to share their stories on the oh-so awkward ordeal of fitting in. Please participate and universalize the experience of not feeling like a right angle as well as undermine the notion of normality.

Entries will be anonymous single entries on the same timeless story.

Stenographic Kaleidoscope

What Does It Mean To Be Normal?