In today's youth slang, "normies" refers to people who are seen as average, conformist, or mainstream. These individuals are often perceived as having typical tastes, interests, and lifestyles that align with the majority. They're the ones who avoid standing out, follow societal expectations, and stick to traditional values. But despite being, in many ways, the backbone of society, they often face ridicule, even from their own circles. So, what is it about being "normal" that makes normies objects of mockery? Let’s explore the history and psychology behind this term and the societal view of conformity.

The Origins of "Normies"

While "normies" may sound like a modern term invented by today's youth, its origins date back several decades. In the 1980s, people with disabilities *sometimes* used the term "normies" to describe those without disabilities. As time went on, the term evolved, especially during the early 2000s. Mental health communities started using it to describe those considered mentally healthy, and later, *some* internet subcultures like incels adopted the term to refer to men who had no issues finding romantic partners. The term gradually grew to represent the majority — people who fit in, follow trends, and don't challenge the norm. It's important to note that the usage and connotations of "normie" can vary significantly between different groups and contexts.

If you aren't part of any niche group, if you avoid alternative fashion, don't experiment with hairstyles or identities, and adhere to popular culture, then you’re likely labeled a "normie." Essentially, it's a way for *some* minorities (or those who perceive themselves as outside the mainstream) to define the mainstream population.

Why Do Normies Often Face Criticism?

While it might seem like normies are the foundation of society, they're often ridiculed. One of the main reasons for this ridicule is the perception that they don't think for themselves. Instead of embracing individuality or exploring new ideas, normies are seen as simply following the crowd. But how did this come about?

The Problem with the Majority

Historically, the majority has often been viewed as being in the right. However, looking at some examples from the past, it's clear that the majority can sometimes be wrong. Take, for instance, the youth gangs that dominated *parts of* Tatarstan in the 1980s. Many of the men who grew up in that era felt there was no choice but to join a gang to fit in. In this case, *within that specific context*, those in gangs became the "norm," and those who didn’t follow the trend were deemed outsiders. Was the majority truly right? Or were they simply following a destructive pattern? It's crucial to remember that "majority" and "norm" are relative to the specific social group or context.

Similarly, in Nazi Germany, the normies *within that society at that time* were those who supported Adolf Hitler, while those who opposed the regime were marginalized. The majority was told that the Führer was right and that anyone opposing him was an enemy. But history later proved that the "norm" was built on lies and atrocities, and those who followed the majority were, in fact, on the wrong side of history. These examples highlight the dangers of uncritical conformity.

Being Ordinary: The Dangers of Conformity

Another criticism of normies is their tendency to conform rather than express themselves. Often, they are seen as individuals who avoid standing out and prefer to blend into the crowd. This tendency is rooted in the fear of being judged or ostracized. Many normies value security and stability, following trends, and adhering to what society expects. It’s safer for them to conform than to take risks by challenging the status quo.

This behavior can be explained by psychological concepts such as social conformity (as demonstrated in the Asch conformity experiments) and groupthink (where the desire for harmony in a group overrides realistic appraisal of alternatives), where individuals are influenced by the majority to think and behave in certain ways. The fear of standing out or being different from others can lead normies to suppress their own needs and desires in order to avoid judgment. This can be seen in the phenomenon of the tall poppy syndrome, where those who stand out are often “cut down” by society to maintain conformity. These are well-established psychological concepts.

Signs You Might Be a Normie

So, what exactly makes someone a normie? The most obvious signs are a preference for mainstream culture, politics, and social behavior. Normies often avoid standing out in terms of their appearance, clothing, and opinions. They tend to follow trends because they align with societal expectations and are comfortable with what is widely accepted. But what happens when the majority is not necessarily in the right?

Normies are generally less likely to question the status quo. They are comfortable with things as they are and don't feel the need for *radical* change. This social passivity can sometimes lead to learned helplessness (a psychological state where individuals believe they have no control over their situation), where people believe that nothing can be done to change the world and that it's better to just accept things as they are. Normies often resist attempts at *drastic* transformation, preferring the comfort of familiarity.

One of the key signs of *some* people labeled as "normies" is a resistance to change or anything that deviates from traditional ways of thinking. For example, *some* normies might dismiss new technology or innovations as unnecessary, believing that things were better in the past. They might criticize social media, new forms of entertainment, or even advancements in science because they don't understand or embrace them. This mindset is often linked to a fear of the unknown and an unwillingness to engage with new ideas. However, it's important to note that this is a stereotype and not all people who fit the "normie" label exhibit this resistance.

Normies often prefer to consume culture that is widely recognized and accepted as "good" or "classic." They might choose to read the works of famous authors like Leo Tolstoy or watch popular films that are considered part of the cultural canon. Any deviation from this norm, such as enjoying less mainstream content, *can sometimes* lead to criticism from *some* normies who value traditional culture. Again, this is a generalization and not a universal characteristic.

Conclusion: Embracing Diversity in Normalcy

The term "normie" carries a lot of baggage. It is used to describe people who adhere to the majority's expectations, but it’s important to remember that the majority can sometimes be wrong. Just as the norm in Hitler's Germany was built on propaganda and lies, today's mainstream culture can also be flawed. It's essential to recognize that being "normal" doesn't inherently mean being right, and stepping outside the norm is not always a bad thing. Critical thinking is crucial, regardless of whether one identifies as a "normie" or not.

The key is to find a balance between individualism and conformity, to think critically about the world around us, and to embrace diversity in all its forms. After all, as long as you’re not causing harm to yourself or others, you’re within the bounds of what can be considered "normal" - and "normal" itself is a highly subjective and culturally dependent concept.

References:

• Cialdini, R. B. (2001). Influence: The psychology of persuasion. New York: Harper Business.
• Le Bon, G. (1895). The Crowd: A Study of the Popular Mind. London: Macmillan. (While relevant to the concept of crowd psychology, Le Bon's work is also considered somewhat dated and has been criticized for its generalizations.)
• Zimbardo, P. G. (2007). The Lucifer effect: Understanding how good people turn evil. New York: Random House.
• Janis, I. L. (1972). *Victims of Groupthink: A psychological study of foreign-policy decisions and fiascoes*. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. (Added to support the mention of groupthink)