During my time in university, I found myself deeply intrigued – some might say obsessed – with the world of serial killers. It was an era dominated by TV shows like Dexter, Hannibal, and The Mentalist, where the allure of these characters was undeniable. Later, shows like You would further explore the enigmatic appeal of characters who strayed far from societal norms. Listen, I got so obsessed I began to jot down my version of what a serial killer would be like, let’s just say it was a good attempt, it did faintly scare those around, especially with how much the character related to my own world, but I am an Andrew Stanton fan “Write from what you know.”
These characters possess a magnetic quality that draws us in. It’s evident in the multiple articles and research studies examining society’s fascination with abnormality. But why are we so captivated by the disturbing and unnatural? By the “unbelievable” Superheroes are part of this topic, but reserved for a different writing.
Reflecting on my own experiences, those around me, and insights from psychology, I’ve come to understand our obsession with abnormality. It’s a reflection of a shifting societal landscape where the lines between normal and abnormal are increasingly blurred.
In today’s world, what constitutes normalcy is a matter of debate. Coming from a background where deviation from the norm could result in dire consequences, I’ve observed firsthand or through observation how societal boundaries have shifted, particularly in places like America. The states have placed us in a position where we can no longer have a dialogue about what is normal and what is abnormal; everyone is stuck looking at someone else to say something. It is not just America though, I question my own country South Africa at times, the whole continent of Africa even.
For example, a subject I hate talking about, but it provides itself as such a great example “Church and Religion” When is someone going to question the activities that are happening in church as being abnormal? I mean, you have pastors grabbing our mothers and sisters by the pussy and not a damn thing is being said, no one is standing up and saying “Pastor, I don’t deal like that, my genitals are a private area.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHf_SN66DwI
I am making an example of the most Ludacris act because it’s a reality, there are more actions and events that occur in church that are highly questionable, “flying pastors” “Drinking petrol” “fighting demons with football” but no one is saying anything why? Because we are absorbed in abnormality. In the instance of church, I guess it is acceptable that weird actions and events are supposed to happen. Yes? Maybe? Miracles?
Furthermore, the rise of technology and social media has only fueled our fascination with the abnormal. We eagerly document and share anything out of the ordinary, perpetuating a cycle of fascination with strangeness. Social media has been a great tool for human nature, we are able to achieve amazing feats because of it, but the downside as you will read in many articles and research, it has densentitized us, we are exposed to so many traumatic events and actions that we are slowly lacking emphathy and symphathy. It’s film first and help later.
From a psychological standpoint, abnormality is defined as behaviours and mental processes that deviate from societal norms. Groping is certainly abnormal, but you may be asked who gets to define these norms? The subjectivity of normalcy underscores the challenges of navigating context and a rapidly changing world. As an example, I was telling my students, if one of you in this AP Psychology class came here screaming, shouting, jumping and rolling on the floor, we’d all think something was wrong with you, but if that happened in my theatre class, it might not necessarily appear like that, it might be taken as a form of expression in life, there are specific domains tailored for each of our actions and behaviours, where our contributions are warmly welcomed.
As an educator and student of psychology, I’m compelled to question whether we’ve failed in our duty to help individuals distinguish between reality and abnormality. Have we become complacent in perpetuating a distorted view of the world, where abnormal behaviours are normalised and accepted without question? We can definitely challenge status quo, but at the end reality will hit, there is a community you will have to go back to and a future you look ahead to.
Psychology offers valuable insights into the complexities of abnormality. As we unravel the blurred lines between normal and abnormal, we’re confronted with the reality that societal norms are not immutable. It’s a delicate balance between upholding established rules and challenging outdated paradigms. No more burning witches yes, but grabbing church goes by the pussy? Identifying as a dog? Where is the line? Let’s draw the line
In conclusion, our fascination with abnormality is a multifaceted phenomenon that reflects our innate curiosity about the human psyche and societal norms. While media portrayals may contribute to this fascination, it’s essential to approach the subject with nuance and open-mindedness…to a certain extent.
If actions avoid causing harm – whether physical, social, or psychological – to oneself or others, they may be considered within the realm of normalcy. However, if harm becomes evident, it’s incumbent upon us to question the normalcy of such actions or events. And we really must look at what is considered harmful.
By engaging in meaningful dialogue and promoting awareness, we can work towards a future where the lines between normal and abnormal are not so blurry, and can be called out.