IS IT GOOD TO BE NORMAL?

Figuring out today's unwritten rules

I grew up in the 1950’s and early 60’s with my parents drumming unwritten rules into my head.  They’d remind me constantly that it was important to fit in to society.

“Don’t talk with your mouth full.”

“Say you’re sorry.”

“Share.”

“What would the neighbors think?”

“Don’t let them see you sweat.”

“Address your friends’ parents as  Mr. & Mrs.”

 “Don’t talk about money.”

“Do your best.”

“Real men don’t cry.”

“Keep your feet flat on the floor.”

“Respect your elders.”

“That’s a man’s job.”

 “No sex before marriage.”

“Never ask a woman her age.”

“The customer is always right.”

It’s probably not surprising then my generation rebelled, following Joseph Campbell’s philosophy “Follow your bliss.”    Teachers and parents like me  started encouraging kids to be individuals – to be themselves.   I was proud of all the movements for equal rights during my time.

But what happened? I’m in shock!  I’m lost…  Now that I’ve gotten older I’m having trouble figuring out today’s social norms.  Ha!

I had to laugh when I went to McDonald’s the other day.  I hadn’t been inside the place since the pandemic so I was standing  in front of the Self-Serve kiosk reading the directions when all of a sudden  I heard a voice yell, “I don’t mind helping old people.”  I looked around to see who they were talking to  --  and realized it was ME.

I rushed over to the cashier while giggling and said, “Hey, thanks so much!”

She replied, “I don’t mind helping you old people, but I’m not helping those lazy kids staring at their smartphones.” 

I’m still laughing. What ever happened to my parents’ unwritten rules  about NOT mentioning a woman’s  age or the customer  always being  right?!?!?

Well, “To Fit In or Not To Fit In?”  — that’s the question…

It’ll Be OK.

                                                                ~~~

“Be a Fruit Loop in a world full of Cheerios.”  ~  Funny Quotes

COMMENT:  Is there anything in today’s society that shocks you?