Hey FFFN-ers! Our blog this week talks about being “NORMAL” – a term that is rather pertinent given the name of our brand and what we represent!
So to kick off this instalment, here’s the intellectual bit:
What is “NORMAL”? It is a core feature of being successfully accepted as a member of society. Normality usually centres around someone being within average parameters of human traits including (but not limited to) physical appearance, sexuality, sociability and intellectual capacity. The assumption is that the best way to fit in with those around you is to be normal. And if you aren’t normal, there is something WRONG and you aren’t being human the right way. As individuals, we have considerable biological, physical and psychological variations. The myth of normal tries to extinguish these variations. The mindset that we should be fulfilling certain criteria in order to be deemed normal is indoctrinated within us.
Well to that I say, WHAT A CROCK OF FKN SHIT!!! Why, instead of being so hung up with fitting in and being normal, isn’t there more focus on inclusivity, acceptance and individuality? Prejudice, marginalisation and discrimination all seem to be far more prominent in today’s society and I think it bloody sucks.
Why is there such focus on being like everyone else and being measured within such narrow parameters? Why do people crave normality over individuality? Why don’t humans champion their variations rather than discriminate against them? I struggle to answer these questions all the time.
If I were to define myself according to the human traits mentioned in the intro of this blog, I could be described as the following:
– Physical appearance: shorter than average at 5’1, curvaceous with stretchmarks and sags due to carrying and birthing two babies and getting older (I recently turned 40, shock horror!), overweight according to my BMI and the image of myself I see in the mirror most days
– Sexuality: heterosexual with a bisexual inclination at times (if you’re reading this kids, Mumma is sorry for the TMI!)
– Sociability: selectively social with a small, quality network of good friends and not so many superficial relationships, mostly friendly but sometimes standoffish, loud and opinionated but able to read a room and adapt my behaviours accordingly
– Intellectual capacity: smart with the ability to learn at a mainstream level, articulate and well spoken (apart from the very frequent use of the word FUCK in my vocab)
In summary, I am a short, voluptuous, mercurial, affable, bright woman with possible mild Tourette’s. So, am I normal? Fuck, I hope not!!!! Am I judged negatively by others for some of my traits? More than likely! Am I phased by this? Admittedly, in some ways, yes I am.
I guess this is because I have been conditioned to believe that there is normal and there is abnormal, and there really isn’t much grey area that allows for deviations without there being significant consequences.
But what if I want to be Far From Fkn Normal? How do I embrace my features and my traits and what makes me, me? How do I respect them instead of relating them back to this misconception that they have to be within certain limits for me to be the right kind of person?
I think the most powerful way to achieve this is through appreciation that there really is no “normal”. Human variations are so broad and abilities are endless. Celebrate who you are and what you stand for and don’t let societal expectations dictate your worth or your societal ranking. Everybody is different, we all know this. Instead of looking at differences that fall outside the scope of “normal” in a negative light, broaden the parameters to incorporate people from all walks of life with all different abilities, appearances and traits and celebrate diversity.
It really is so simple.
Being Far From Fkn Normal is a gift, not a curse!
Catch you in the next blog!
Certain topics discussed in FFFN’s blogs include content relating to mental health, suicide and other triggers. If you are experiencing any mental health concerns, please contact your GP or nearest healthcare facility. In the event of an emergency, please call 000. For community support, please reach out to Lifeline, Beyond Blue or other credible mental health organisations. FFFN do not provide any professional mental health or medical advice and/or treatment.
