Normalcy, what is it?

     Normalcy What is it really? Does the concept of normal go hand in hand with what society sets forth as guidelines, is stepping outside those guidelines grounds to be branded abnormal? Or are they one in the same, forever evolving as does society at large? Should it turn out that society dictates the perception of normal, then is it fair to brand it both hypocritical and in some ways abnormal itself. I offer up several examples of the appearance of this.

     Take the case of Jeffery Dahmer, arguably one of the more infamous figures in serial killer history. His actions set him aside was the purpose for the murders, cannibalism! To society at large these actions were and still are considered extremely abnormal bordering on psychosis and insanity. Yet prior to his criminal trial he had to undergo what is known as a competency hearing. It is in this hearing that the matters of sanity are discussed. Society via mass media branded him as insane thus proclaiming his abnormality. This same society however through the voices of those involved with the hearing Mr. Dahmer's actions were deemed as those committed by a rational (must know right from wrong) and sane (by the definitions of society) man. So I ask this given this very real scenario, who should be considered abnormal? Dahmer? Who single handedly killed and consumed nearly 18 human beings. Or the man and or woman or combination(s) of both, said he was normal for doing it?

     It's not just the macabre that this ever wondering definition of normal dwells. It has been present through out history. It can be found in every traumatic and dramatic event of our lives and societies history. It can be found in the slave trade of the 17^th through to the early19^th centuries. It is prevalent in the street gangs of today as it was of the 30's. Society views their actions as abnormal behavior but to them it is a part of everyday life thus making it perfectly normal. Yet they are still part of society as a whole.

     It wasn't so long ago that the erratic definition of normal even crept its way into love. Our sexuality and preferences have become topic for judgments as well. Is it or isn't it normal to be gay, lesbian, or bisexual is based on the individual perspective of what society views as norm and that view is ever changing. Sexual fetishes depending upon whom you ask is considered normal, and just as abnormal to others. I would theorize that through the debate that takes place involving our individual sexuality, we are watching the evolution of normalcy

     So with the apparent ever changing definition of normal, I constantly ask myself this. Normalcy? What is it? Is it the unspoken acceptance of a majority of opinions? Is it the open expression of laws that act as rules and guidelines in which to label and judge the mentality of others? Is it the moral values of a group that is only representative of society or a portion of it? There's a lot of stigma as well as acceptance that is associated with the word normal. With this in mind it is only fair that we as individuals dictate to ourselves what the definition should be and accept that that definition is not an end to anything, but a beginning. A beginning for someone(s) struggle to simply be accepted for who and what they are.

     The irony of it all though is this. Even when acknowledging the evolution and shear confusion of what normal is one must also admit that it does serve a purpose in defining the behavior of individuals who cross all boundaries set by even the most rudimentary of civilizations. Such as in the case of the above mentioned Mr. Dahmer where the definition was manipulated in order to insure punishment. But it still doesn't change the fact that normal has and always will be an enigma unto itself. Which is why the questions of normalcy and what is it.