I hate the word weird.

With a burning passion.

Calling something weird is judgmental.

It’s ignorant.

It’s rushing to conclusions.

“That’s weird” are the two ugliest words in the English language.

They are a cop out.

They exhibit a lack of willingness to understand.

To dig deeper.

To see what’s beneath the surface.

‘Weird’ and ‘normal’ are cultural constructs.

They’re societal norms that have been forced upon you.

Something is only considered normal if the majority has accepted it.

Something is only considered weird if the majority has declined it.

But should public opinion really be our measuring stick for what we choose to do? 

I mean, group mentality is most often wrong.

So don’t trust other people’s standard for weird.

Being vulnerable isn’t weird.

Quitting a job you hate isn’t weird.

Chasing a dream isn’t weird.

Trusting a stranger isn’t weird.

Protesting isn’t weird.

What’s weird is a society that considers endemic obesity, inequality, environmental degradation, and mental illness normal. 

It’s all twisted.

It’s all backwards.

So, you decide for yourself.

Challenge the norms.

Chase your weird dreams.

Own your inner weirdness.

Wear it as a badge of honor.

Because if they tell you that you’re weird.

You’re probably doing it right.

Love,

Matt

Comments

Muchas gracias. ?Como puedo iniciar sesion?

— gapkbexmmb

Normal is vastly overrated, no one is normal we are all unique in our own ways, we cannot be weird items cannot be weird, just cause it is different does not make it weird, People have a strange way of conducting themselves by judging first then getting to know you. Its a nasty habit, I wish most people would grow out of but its the human condition I guess! People who comment about you not being normal or That what you do is weird or act is weird is really the one with the problems. Its rather sad that we as humans let that control who we are and how we act. Seek discomfort!

— Rebekah Smith

I completely agree with you about “weird” and “normal” being cultural constructs, just like so many other dualisms. This is the type of dialogue I love to engage in constantly as a women and gender studies student. However one part that kind of put me off is whether you were saying mental illness is not normal? I’m not exactly sure what you meant by that, but I know it’s nothing meant to be hurtful. I’m just curious and wish you could elaborate further. Thanks for your insight

— Lila

I completely agree with you about “weird” and “normal” being cultural constructs, just like so many other dualisms. This is the type of dialogue I love to engage in constantly as a women and gender studies student. However one part that kind of put me off is whether you were saying mental illness is not normal? I’m not exactly sure what you meant by that, but I know it’s nothing meant to be hurtful. I’m just curious and wish you could elaborate further. Thanks for your insight

— Lila