Norms

Norms

Norms are “normal” behavior rules that are expected to be maintained in each culture. When norms are broken, no matter how trivial a norm may seem there will be noticeable awkwardness and tension. We have norms for eating, waiting in line, sexual relations, talking proximity and many other norms covering many aspects of our lives.

In this article of The New York Times, our norms for what is acceptable content for television broadcast is being put under scrutiny by branches of our government. Kevin J. Martin is going to be responsible for reviewing the indecency rules from HBO to ABC. This article demonstrates how we have norms, and even how we are hypocritical with our norms. The norm “showing nudity on television” wasn’t really noticeable until the Janet Jackson Halftime show backlash.