What norm did you decide to break?
The norm I opted to break is food norm, eating non-finger delicacies with fingers, or eating inappropriate utensils. During my visit to a Brazilian steak joint, I opted to take my creamy lobster using three chopsticks rather than using a spoon.
Was it a formal or informal norm you were breaking?
Regarding these aspects, this is considered as a formal norm I was breaking. The formal norm entails using a spoon to ingest the soup from any restaurant in the 21 st century. It is considered a unique method to use chopsticks for drinking the soup.
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What were your thoughts, concerns, and feelings about breaking the norm before you broke it?
I did not bear any specific worries. However, I wondered how my entire household might react. On the other hand, my adopted family is considered rather vocal and is open in letting a person know if they are discontented regarding something. I have a conviction that my daughter might be fascinated and ask what I am doing. Particularly when I try drinking soup with a fork. I am anticipating several undesirable responses in regards to the unpopular gazing and remarks.
What were your behaviors or actions while breaking the norm? Discuss what happened during the experience.
The standard custom that I contravened was a folkway. This is considered an unofficial societal rule. It signifies that the punishments related to contravening a folkway are typically less irrelevant and not too austere. Most of my adopted household gazed at me, whereas I attempted to ingest soup with a fork and eat a salad with a spoon. As they ordered the double-takes, my family enquired if I was okay if I was having a stroke or Alzheimer's disease. They enquired from my companion if it was the first time I ever used chopsticks to drink soup. These are all comparatively innocuous undertakings that individuals engage in when feeling uncomfortable. I believe that the queries were posed as a result of the close family ties and being worried.
How did you feel while breaking the norm?
During the entire experience, I felt rather obstinate. I could sense my family gazing, and I was certainly uncomfortable. I felt slightly incompatible and nonconforming, contravening the norm, although I relished observing my household completely stunned over my conduct. Swiftly following their initial shock, I was utterly comfortable partaking in the new standard. I typically tend to remain in very stringent guidelines for myself. I have a preference for fitting in than be conspicuous. Therefore, dining with the wrong utensils, I contravened my limits and steeped off my comfort zone. I was not surprised by the responses I received. However, I was astounded at the worry exhibited by my family. I overlooked that most family members have a health background. They instantaneously went to the health implications of my eating with the inappropriate utensils—for instance, stroke or the beginning of a mental ailment.
How did others react when you broke the norm?
Initially, my household gazed at me, then they were apprehensive and assumed there was something therapeutically inappropriate with me. It was challenging to remain in character, and when the worries surged, I opted to emerge from the unusual norm as I did not want it to be the leading cause for alarm. Revelers at the adjacent table took a glance and resumed the dining due to my child’s voice. I initially attempt to gaze with an outright stare; however, it swiftly altered to a grin.
How did the reaction reinforce or not reinforce the norm?
My family’s responses strengthen the norm's contravening as they inadvertently authenticate my activities as being out of the norm. Their responses were expected when I started using the chopsticks. My family was skepticism and somewhat ashamed of my actions despite being part of the only witnesses that also included the adjacent table members. Norms are a significant component in society as they ensure that things are smoothly running in the community.
What did you learn about yourself or others from this experience?
I learned that conforming is better than trying to stand out. This project shows how significant norms are in the community. Even though I felt awkward dining with the inappropriate utensils, societal norms help increase the level of understanding of how to interrelate with other members and ways of behaving in public. This is because society disregards when things are conducted beyond the norm. Generally, I believe the project was a possible experience as it enabled me to adhere to societal standards and to leave my comfort zone.
