Social Norm Summary

Taking Intro to Sociology this semester, we have discussed norms and normative behavior quite extensively. That class has reshaped my view of what it means to be normal. Resultantly, I think of normal as a relative term. Normal is whatever we are socialized to believe. As in our society we are socialized to believe so many different things no one can be normal. In saying this, I am definitely not normal. Along with normal having way too many aspects, it also changes with the time. Just as an example, slavery would have been normal in the 19th century, however it is frowned upon now. Somewhere it is normal to be able to see and I wear glasses. It isn’t normal to wear a bow tie to school, but I do it anyway.

Saleem illustrates a great example of appealing to ethos as well as pathos at the same time. This can be seen starting with his opening. He really opens up to the reader with his personal account of a recurring dream that he remembers. One way he accomplishes this is via the repetition of the exact phrase, “Have you forgotten your name?” One’s own name is something that is normal to know. The idea of someone forgetting his or her own name creates a connection between Saleem and his audience. He also speaks on the children

He jokes that he has a Pakistani accent as if it would be the most obvious thing to someone not from Asia or familiar with Asian tongues. His character is shown in the way he urges the audience to never give up. “Giving up is not an option,” he says. He makes his point of what it means to be normal by showing how he had to find that in himself. The connection between his voice and normal was a great pathos appeal because of the fact that everyone has a voice. I did my “This I Believe” essay sophomore year on the voice, because there is so much room for the audience to relate. His voice is unique and he had to learn to love and respect