Being human means navigating a complex landscape filled with pretense and deception. To fit into societal frameworks, we often adopt a “fake it ’til you make it” mentality. This includes adhering to rigid cultural norms and telling white lies to help others save face, rather than challenging these ingrained behaviors.
However, it’s crucial to understand that these norms are not set in stone. Culture evolves over time, and actions deemed “normal” today can quickly become outdated. For instance, just four decades ago, corporal punishment of children was an accepted practice, mental health issues were stigmatized, and sexual harassment in workplaces was alarmingly pervasive.
Things can improve when we recognize and discuss outdated social norms. A recent conversation on Reddit posed the question: “What’s a social norm that you think is absolutely ridiculous?” This sparked a valuable dialogue on the various cultural expectations that many find absurd. Numerous commenters highlighted the white lies we tell to maintain social comfort, as well as the rigid gender roles that deserve scrutiny.
15 Social Norms People Find Ridiculous
1. Women Wearing Makeup
Many are frustrated by the expectation that women must wear makeup to appear professional. A clean face should be considered enough in any work environment. Additionally, being questioned about looking “sick” or “tired” when not wearing makeup adds unnecessary pressure.
2. Faking Passion in the Workplace
During job interviews, prospective employees often feel the need to feign enthusiasm for roles that are primarily for financial gain. A college student candidly remarked that their straightforwardness—admitting they needed a paycheck—caught the recruiter off-guard.
3. Justifying RSVP Responses
Many people feel pressured to provide extensive rationalizations when turning down invitations, rather than simply saying, “I can’t make it.” Declining without an elaborate excuse can lead to feelings of guilt or social discomfort.
4. Idealizing the Deceased
There’s a tendency to portray individuals positively after their death, irrespective of their actions during life. This phenomenon can feel disingenuous, especially when the person’s legacy includes harmful behavior.
5. Influencers and Public Spaces
The trend of influencers turning public areas into makeshift studios raises eyebrows. There’s a growing consensus that this behavior disrupts public enjoyment and should be treated as inconsiderate.
6. The Pressure to Always Be Reachable
The modern expectation to be constantly available and responsive can be overwhelming. Delayed replies are often interpreted as neglect, creating an unnecessary sense of urgency in everyday communication.
7. Oversharing on Social Media
The current trend of oversharing personal life details online can lead to discomfort. Studies indicate that individuals often misjudge the benefits compared to the potential consequences of their online transparency.
8. Elbows on Tables
The rule against resting elbows on tables stems from medieval times when tables were made of planks balanced on stumps. Such behavior was seen as disruptive to communal dining.
9. Social Drinking Norms
There’s a prevailing notion that social gatherings require alcohol to be enjoyable. Individuals who choose not to drink often face peer pressure and may be labeled as “boring.”
10. Shame Around Menstruation
The stigma surrounding menstruation remains prevalent, with many women feeling compelled to hide their menstrual products. It’s vital to normalize these discussions to eliminate shame.
11. Assuming a Man’s Last Name
The practice of women and children taking the man’s last name should be challenged. There’s merit in considering hyphenation or creating new surnames as a more inclusive practice.
12. Who Proposes Marriage
In many cultures, it’s assumed that men must propose marriage. This traditional view should be reconsidered to allow for equal opportunity in relationship dynamics.
13. The Ties We Wear
Wearing ties is a peculiar social custom. It’s an accessory that may feel more like a burden than a necessity in professional attire, prompting discussions about modernizing workplace dress codes.
14. Obsession with Smartphones
While smartphones have become ubiquitous, there’s value in the occasional moment of disconnect. Many find it refreshing to observe their surroundings without the constant distraction of screens.
15. The “Fine” Facade
The expectation to respond with “fine” when asked how we are can be misleading. Genuine communication about our feelings would foster deeper connections and understanding in our interactions.
