Discussion Post
When we violate the unwritten rules for appropriate social behavior, we quickly learn the surprising power of even relatively minor and usually invisible cultural norms. The purpose of this assignment is to make you conscious of how these subtle norms shape our everyday behavior and the consequences of violating these norms.
For this discussion you will violate a cultural norm and report your experience. (Tip: For a reminder on what cultural norms are, see the Lesson 02 module and the description in the assigned readings.)
To complete the assignment:
A. Go out into the world and violate a cultural norm. Some examples might include (but are not limited to):
a. Having 40 items in the express check out line at the grocery store
b. Standing close to a stranger in an elevator
c. Cutting in front of people in a long line
d. Walking up an escalator going the wrong direction.
B. The only guidelines are that you do not break the law and do not endanger yourself or others. Otherwise, you are encouraged to be creative with this assignment.
C. After you have violated your cultural norm, submit a post to the discussion that answers the following questions:
a. What cultural norm did you violate?
b. When and where did you violate this norm?
c. How did people react to your behavior?
d. How did it feel while you were breaking this cultural norm?
e. Did you feel comfortable breaking your cultural norm?
f. How did you learn about the cultural norm that you broke? In other words, when were you taught (and by whom) that you shouldn't do this particular behavior or thing?
g. What do you think are the purposes of cultural norms? (This question is very important, as it applies what you have been learning in class so far to your own experience.)