Good Example Of Break A Social Norm Essay

Social norms have always tried the best to govern the behaviors of people all over the world across various cultures. Nevertheless, the very thought of breaking a norm and trying to gauge the reaction of the people around seems to be very interesting. People are made to learn various ways in which they should portray themselves in public. I chose one of the norms to break in front of many, so that I could see the reaction of the people.
Tidiness is something that has always found the prime importance in one’s agenda. Picking the nose is a huge no-no when it comes to presenting oneself in front of anyone. It is a taboo thing almost, and people with heightened notions of propriety and hygiene would tag the act as almost sinister to the existence of mankind. It is unhygienic and uncouth as per the social norms.
I chose to break this norm and put my reputation as a hygienic human being at immense risk to carry out the task. I remember my mother scolding me in my childhood when I would pick my nose at times. However, all of my upbringing and image was in jeopardy. Yet, it was something I really wanted to do, as it would give me a close insight into the psyche of people and their ways of judgments of other human beings around them.
Thus, with all the motivation in the world I took the step forward to evoke the reactions of the people who have always abided by the etiquettes and hygiene in their lives.
I was travelling in the bus the other day when I decided to try out this act, and thus gauge the reactions of the people around. The crowded bus seemed to be the best place to do the thing that might have evoked strange reactions.
As I took a seat, I started picking my nose. The person sitting beside me started to show dismay, and I could see the irritated expression on his face. I thought that this is the best time to do a bit more. I started picking my nose even more, and now the people on the other rows also noticed what I was doing. All were having disgusted expression on their faces.
As I continued by act, the person sitting beside me seemed to get exasperated. He finally asked me if I could “sit properly” so that he would not feel inconvenient. I looked at him with a blank expression and continued picking my nose. I rubbed my hands on my shirt, to add to the disgust of the people around. The person sitting beside me finally got up and took a seat elsewhere.
I understood that I was perceived to be an unacceptable person even to sit beside. I felt a bit bad at the vehement reactions of the people around. Nonetheless, I knew that my experiment was successful.
The social norms that are functional in our society govern us. The violation of any such social norm makes people raise their eyebrows. There are several reasons that are cited validating the norms in the society. People judge other based on these preset norms.
The others must have felt that I am very unhygienic, and I am not at all acceptable in any social ambiance. My act of defiance of the social norm hit them hard, and reiterated the fact that the people are guided by the accepted set of rules.