Let's normalise not needing everything to be normalised

There seems to be a relentless push to normalise every new fashion trend, no matter how bizarre or impractical it may be. Photo: Reuters

Can we take a moment to talk about the obsession with normalisation? It seems that every other day, something new is being pushed into the realm of normality on social media and in real life. But what does this trend of normalisation really mean? Well, let me give you my humble definition of it.

Normalisation, in this day and age, is the practice of trying to make everything, and I mean everything, appear mainstream and acceptable. People seem to be on a mission to normalise things that are already perfectly normal, like eating breakfast or taking a walk in the park. But it doesn't stop there. We've gone so far down the rabbit hole that now we're attempting to normalise things that should never be considered normal. Call me old-fashioned, but some things just shouldn't be seen as typical!

You might think that having diverse opinions and viewpoints would be celebrated in a society that values individuality. But no, instead of cherishing our differences, we try to force everything into a single mould of "normal." It's like we're in a race to become the most accepting society ever, even if it means accepting things that should be challenged.

We're living in an era where critical thinking seems to be optional, and the more outrageous or unconventional something is, the quicker it gets the normalisation stamp of approval. But is that really how we want to navigate our way through life? Shouldn't we take a step back and think about the implications of this culture of normalisation without critical thought?

I can't help but feel that the constant push to normalise fringe activities is beginning to affect real-world events. Let's take the world of fashion, for example. Thanks to social media influencers and celebrities, we're constantly bombarded with new trends and styles. Some of them are fantastic, no doubt, but others leave me scratching my head. Yet there's this relentless push to normalise every new fashion statement, no matter how bizarre or impractical it may be. From high-fashion runways to everyday streetwear, it's as if we've become fashion victims of the normalisation frenzy.

Speaking of social media, it's undoubtedly playing a significant role in provoking this normalisation trend. The increasing use of social media seems to have blurred the lines between what's truly exceptional and what's just another day in life. We're bombarded with a never-ending stream of information, and amidst the chaos, it's easy to lose sight of what truly matters.

What's even more concerning is that not all communities want what belongs to them to be considered just "normal." By attempting to normalise everything, we risk homogenising cultures and erasing the very essence of what makes each group unique and special.

So, let me sprinkle some sophisticated humour into the mix: let's just normalise without needing everything to be normalised. I mean, really, why do we feel the urge to fit every square peg into a round hole? Some things are meant to stand out, and that's okay. Life would be pretty bland if everything was the same, wouldn't it?

In conclusion, let's take a step back and reconsider our obsession with normalisation. Instead of mindlessly accepting and glamorising things, let's embrace diversity and uniqueness. It's okay to have differing opinions, interests, and lifestyles. We don't have to force everything into the same mould to coexist peacefully.

Let's strive for a society that encourages critical thinking, where we don't just follow trends blindly but consider the implications of our actions. We can appreciate the beauty of individuality without having to normalise everything in our path.

So, the next time you see someone trying to normalise something strange or unnecessary, ask yourself: Do we really need to jump on this bandwagon? Perhaps it's time to reclaim our ability to think critically, celebrate diversity, and yes, even challenge the status quo. And that, my friends, would be a trend worth following.

Sheikh Sidratul Muntaha is a student at the English Department of the University of Asia Pacific.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.