The Mythical Norm Analysis

What does it mean to be “normal” What happens to those who fall outside of the normative standards?
Barbara Perry borrows elements of Audrey Lorde’s conception of “the mythical norm” to receive a thorough understanding on why individuals who fall outside of the norm often feel oppressed. The mythical norm can be viewed as an ideology. It is a characteristic of society that maintains power, and creates oppression for others. Due to the power that the mythical norm contains, it also delivers a series of privileges that many whites may not realize that they have. When individuals comply with the mythical norm, they have the ability to enhance and maintain their social status. Contrast this to racial minorities such as Blacks or Latino’s who

It will highlight on how law operates as a racializing stragety in regards to how racism is reinforced and reconstructed in society. Moving along, it will also discuss the role of gender and its cultural expectations. It will mention about the creation of the gendered relations of power since men in society are portrayed as the superior figure while women are the subordinates in sexist battles. Lastly, it will connect the role of gender in relation to heterosexuality and how society considers heterosexuality as the norm while finding those who do not classify under normative understandings should be mocked, feared, and jailed for breaching the

Another question to ponder is should society even accept the mythical norm as the real norm? Individuals living in the 21st century might argue that it is myth since society has seen more levels of equality than ever before. No one doesn’t have to be white, young, heterosexual, or Christian in order to be regarded as normal. For example, magazines in the media will often portray racial minorities who in some sense have achieved the standards of the norm usually occupied by white people. However, this actually makes them look superior over others who still do not fall within the “norm” standards. Black or other racial minority men will still be seen as powerful, superior, and dominant. Contrast this to women who are still objectified in the media in order to pleasure the superior authority of men in society. In the Marc Lepine case, he developed extreme hatred of radical feminists for ruining his life and as a result he turned to violence as a resource in order to maintain