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When being “normal” is defined as being yourself, then what could possibly be wrong with being normal? Nothing! The reason why I choose to define being normal as being yourself is you first learn how to be your normal self; that is, the person who you really are. People in the postmodern epoch are fervently concerned with trying to be “different.” Unfortunately, their efforts to try to be different cause them to become people alien to their authentic self.
In “What White Publishers Won’t Print,” Zora Neale Hurston writes, “Difference is misreading of sameness, but it must be represented in order to be erased. The resistance to finding out that the other is the same springs out of the reluctance to admit that the same is other.” Many people’s efforts to appear to be different take them away from realizing the full power and potential of being who they really are. One shouldn’t feel compelled to attempt to be different—you’re already different when you’re born. When you try to be different, you’re really just attempting to be like everyone else; you’re striving for societal and peer acceptance, which many believe it requires doing the same things others are doing to maintain their cool pose.
Dr. Cornel West says, “Too many young folk have addiction to superficial things and not enough conviction for substantial things like justice, truth and love.” While Dr. West’s statement is profound without any modifications, I contend that it’s not only young people who “have an addiction to superficial things and not enough conviction for substantial things like justice, truth, and loves,” but also a tremendous number of adults embrace the superficial over the substantial. Many grown 20 to 50 year old men and women are still uncomfortable being themselves, so they elect to adopt identities they feel society will adore. These identities are masked by their pronouncements that they’re “different.” They say they’re different to protect themselves from charges that they’re not being themselves. If you genuinely desire to be different, then simply be who you are—do and say what comes natural.
Being normal is not being average. Living a false image of being different is average; in fact, it’s below average.
Resist the postmodern American impulse to be who society says you have to be. It’s okay to be who you are. You will find that you will live a happier life when you make the choice to be who you really are.
Are you really able to tell someone who you really are?
There’s nothing wrong with improving yourself, but you should never deny yourself the opportunity to experience the true freedom to live life without limitations, borders and boundaries.
Be happy. Be free. Be you.
Antonio Maurice Daniels
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Revolutionary Paideia 
This is another great blog post from you, Tony. Some people truly do not realize how extraordinary they are because they have consumed themselves with living their life as a poor semblance of another individuals life as opposed to the greatness that resides within them. There is an irrevocable power that lies in “living boldly the best you” and even greater roots in being susceptible to the change and growth, to the journey, to the rewarding challenges, and to the whole acceptance of (ugly truths included) being authentically and unapologetically your best SELF!
Thank you very much, San! People will pretend like they are supporters of the concept of “be yourself,” but they still live each day like others would want them to live — with false identities. Many people worry about being alienated by society, their family, friends, associates, co-workers, classmates, and etc. if they choose to simply be themselves. It’s truly a miserable life to be someone who you are not. Be happy. Be free. Be you. #beyourself
I wholeheartedly approve this message. Nothing left to be said after I read this.
Lol! Thanks, bro! I very much appreciate it.
This right here is why there has been such an enormous backlash against liberal white kids who go above and beyond to appear different with the label of “hipster” and so many spaces feeling good in expressing their hate for them as a subculture.
There is something so cool about being yourself that it blows my mind how many people miss it. Like you said there are adults who struggle with identity and it is a very sad thing to see.
Excellent piece as usual.
Thank you, Greg! It’s, indeed, a sad thing to see adults afraid to be themselves. Responsible adults have to do a better job of educating their children about the value of simply being themselves. When we learn to accept who we naturally are, we will significantly reduce numerous problems we face individually and collectively. I very much appreciate you for reading and your excellent response.
I love this post, where is that button? 🙂 This is so true. Being yourself is normal. No need to try and be anyone but your true self!!
Thank you! People would truly experience the fullness of life if they would simply be themselves. The best you is always the real you, but it’s difficult for many folks to understand this.