It’s the source of fast friendships and endless conflict. From the time we are born, what we are taught and how we perceive the world around us becomes our “normal”. Your own actions, thoughts, assumptions are “normal” – everyone and everything different is “abnormal”.
From one’s diet to questions of ethics and culture. If you grow up eating toast and fruit for breakfast that’s normal to you. When you discover that they eat rice and raw fish in Japan it seems abnormal.
I couldn’t wait to get my driver’s licence when I turned sixteen ( although it took three tries before my nerves calmed down and I passed!). It blew my mind when I learned there are cultures and countries around the world where it is illegal for women to drive. Not only do I consider that abnormal but completely unethical and downright misogynist.
Oprah has got an entire new game show devoted to it. It’s the series premiere tonight of ARE YOU NORMAL? on OWN – OMNI (airing Mondays, 9/8C): http://www.oprah.com/own-are-you-normal-america/are-you-normal-america.html
On the website you can watch full episodes and answer the daily question. Are there things you consider/ed normal that you’ve discovered others are not on board with? Today’s Oprah.com question is “Is it normal to talk to talk to your seat mate on an airplane?” Good one! 85% of respondents so far have said yes. My girlfriend once called me out for flossing my teeth while we were are lounging around the living room before bed on a girls’ weekend. Seemed perfectly normal to me! Is that something I should have saved for the bathroom? Respond here or call me at 780-989-0957.
