Whoever controls “normal”, rules the world

Throughout history, what is considered "normal" has dictated how we act, speak, and live. But just because something is normal doesn't mean it's healthy or right. In the past, normal behavior has often been corrected and become unacceptable, such as the treatment of women and people of color which was, believe it or not less than 100 years ago.

The question I'm asking is how do we know if we're living in a normal right now that is as bad as our previous examples? Were there people in each generation who didn't want to be normal? Did the "abnormal" people change the world?

I believe that the unconventional people in society have a right to be skeptical. They are often the ones who question and challenge what is considered normal. The challenge with normalcy is that we tend to feel a sense of safety and belonging in a group where everyone is doing the same thing. Our brains feel permitted, not needing to think, and it's easy. 

From my observation, and speaking strictly to western culture, certain people and powers influence the culture as a whole. Mass mediums like movies, music, politics, and sports have the power to reach the general population- at scale. Whoever has the metaphorical microphone on those platforms controls the narrative. 

The news, for example, has nationwide distribution. My neighbor and I could hear the same thing and confirm that we both heard the news, which reinforces common knowledge. However, this can be problematic when those controlling the narrative have a biased or narrow viewpoint. 

To determine if we are not part of a "bad normal," we must continuously question and challenge what we consider to be normal. We must listen to and uplift the voices of those who have been historically marginalized and actively seek out information from a variety of sources.

Looking back at the 20th century, there are many examples of people who challenged what was considered normal and progressed humanity. 

Rosa Parks, who refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama bus in 1955, challenged the normalcy of segregation and sparked a movement. 

Martin Luther King Jr. led the Civil Rights Movement, challenging the normalcy of institutionalized racism. 

But progress often comes at a cost. Those who challenge the norm are often met with resistance, hostility, and violence. 

Rosa Parks was arrested and faced death threats. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. These individuals, and many others like them, sacrificed their safety and sometimes their lives to fight for a better future.

Think about it: if you're not actively choosing your own path in life, then who is? Who's pulling the strings, shaping your identity, and determining your future? It's the powerful forces behind our culture and society - those who hold the reins of power and influence. They want you to think, act, and live a certain way - and if you don't resist, you'll end up just like everyone else, a mere cog in the machine.

So ask yourself: do you want to be just another face in the crowd, following the path that's been laid out for you? Or do you want to take control of your own destiny, forge your own path, and become the person you were truly meant to be? The choice is yours, but know that the stakes are high.