Stigma is defined as a discrediting trait that can reduce a whole, regular, normal person into a tainted one; an individual who has been discredited. This brings me to a question I ask very often. What is normal? Who is normal?
Most dictionaries will give the following; Conforming to a standard – usual – typical.
The Merriam Webster gives the following; usual, ordinary, not strange, mentally and physically healthy.
Oxford: conforming to a standard, usual, typical free from mental and physical disorders. Many previously normal people exhibit psychotic symptoms after a few nights without sleep.
The Free Online Dictionary adds: lacking observable abnormalities or deficiencies, corresponding to a norm, average.
The Urban Dictionary: Normal is a word made up by this corrupt society so they could single out and attack those who are different.
Wikipedia: Normality is behavior conforming to average norms and social patterns that are expected of behavior studied within the context of sociology.
Macmillan: Someone who is normal is like most people in the way they think, behave and look. Not mentally or physically disabled.
Collins: (1) Amongst other explanations that have been expressed above, they add – normal means within certain limits of intelligence, educational success or ability. (2) Conforming to the conventions of one’s group.
In your opinion, what is the definition of a normal person?Someone said that there is no definition because the word normal simply cannot be defined. It depends on one’s point of view and so many aspects besides. Should dictionaries redefine their meanings of the word normal in our politically correct society?
