Defying ‘Normal’: The Inclusive Spirit of Well-read Wednesday

The concept of “normal,” with its roots in statistical averages and solidified by the creation of the statue “Norma,” has long had a significant influence on societal standards and expectations. This notion of conforming to a certain standard, epitomized by “Norma,” led to a culture where variety and diversity were often overlooked or discouraged.

The story of the statue of Norma and the work of Dr. Broca intertwine in an intriguing tale of societal norms and scientific exploration. The sculpture of Norma was conceptualized in the 19th century by Belgian mathematician Adolphe Quetelet. He created ‘Norma’ as the embodiment of the ‘average man’ using statistical averages from data he collected. The general population began to compare all others to the concept embodied by this figure as the standard, a benchmark to discern if people were ‘normal’ or ‘abnormal.’

Around the same time, Dr. Paul Broca, a French physician, was pioneering research in neurology. He discovered that different functions were localized in other parts of the brain, challenging the prevailing notion of the brain as a homogenous entity. This discovery indirectly contradicted the concept of ‘Norma,’ as it emphasized individual differences and diversity rather than a single standard of normality.

Thus, the story of Norma and Dr. Broca represents a shift from uniformity to diversity, a journey from the average to the unique, reflecting the evolution of scientific understanding and societal perceptions.

Adolphe Quetelet and Dr. Paul Broca, though they made remarkable strides in their respective fields, didn’t fully grasp the vast importance of diversity. Quetelet’s ‘Norma,’ the average man, was an innovative concept for its time, but it didn’t quite capture the rich tapestry of individual differences that make us unique. Likewise, Dr. Broca’s pioneering research in brain localization was mainly focused on men, overlooking the potential variations in brain structure and function across genders.

However, it’s crucial to remember that their work laid the groundwork for us to dive deeper into understanding diversity. Their limitations are not roadblocks but stepping stones for us to build upon. They have provided us with a platform to broaden the scope to explore and celebrate the beautiful spectrum of human diversity. And that is precisely what we aim to do: to learn from their work and to expand our understanding of the vast array of unique individuals that make up our world.

Along with this thought of expanding our view, we bring the concept of Well-read Wednesday to challenge this notion of “normal” by celebrating the richness and diversity of literature. It encourages us to step beyond the confines of “normal” and explore a broad spectrum of genres, authors, and ideas.

Just as the statue of “Norma” represented an average or ideal, being well-read is often associated with a particular type of literature or author. However, Well-read Wednesday pushes back against this notion, emphasizing that being well-read isn’t about conforming to a certain standard but embracing and appreciating variety.

In essence, Well-read Wednesday is a response to the “Norma” mindset. It challenges us to move beyond the “normal” and explore the diversity and richness of literature. It’s about recognizing that there isn’t a single “normal” or “ideal” when it comes to reading but a plethora of voices, styles, and perspectives that all have value.

In this way, Well-read Wednesday serves as a reminder that variety and diversity are not deviations from the norm to be corrected but rather the very essence of a rich, well-rounded reading experience. It’s a celebration of the spectrum of human creativity and thought and a testament to the beauty of variety in literature.