Fuck normal

I recently watched Passion Play, a 2010 movie with Mickey Rourke, Megan Fox and Bill Murray. In one moment, a character played by Mickey Rourke, responding to "It's not normal" dialogue, drops the bombshell: "Fuck normal. Since when did normal ever win a goddamn prize?"

After I finished the movie, that sentence stayed with me though. It really kept me wondering about it. What even is normal?

"Normal" is a ghost word. A concept built out of collective pressure, habit and fear. It doesn't exist, not really, but it still weighs tons. It crushes our minds, warps our desires and shames us for wanting what we want.

Don't do that, it's not normal. Don't say that, be normal. Don't wear that, it's not what normal people wear.

"Normal" becomes the ultimate accusation and the invisible law we all enforce. But think about it: what is "normal" other than a statistical average? A silent vote held by the majority, deciding what's allowed and what's not. It has nothing to do with truth, meaning or joy. It's just consensus dressed up as law.

Here's a better idea, from Battle Angel Alita: "There is no right or wrong. There are only choices." And I'd add: there are always consequences. So ask yourself: "What are the consequences of this choice?" That's the real question. The one that actually matters.

I remember seeing my father secretly watching cartoons. Smiling. Feeling something. Then, when someone entered the room, he switched to the news. Or a science channel. Something "adult." Why? Because cartoons aren't "normal" for adults. The tyrant whispered: you can't let them see who you are. And that's how it happens.

We tear ourselves apart to fit into something that doesn't even exist. We deny ourselves harmless joys. We silence our inner worlds. We bury what makes us feel alive. Just to pass some invisible social test.

So yeah, fuck normal.

Every time someone says "Don't do that, it's not normal," hear it for what it is: fear talking. Not their fear. Theirs is just an echo. It's the collective fear of anyone who's ever been shamed for being themselves. So the right answer actually is: fuck that. Choose what makes sense for you.

The only thing to think about is that of consequences. If they're healthy, if they don't hurt anyone and if they bring you peace or joy, do it. Watch cartoons. Play with legos. Wear the weird outfit. Cry in public.

Let go.

And if anyone, a friend maybe, judges you for it, maybe you need better friends. Maybe they need therapy. Because that's the real fix: not hiding what's "not normal," but healing the part of us that needs "normal" to feel safe.

Go to therapy. Unpack this junk. And you'll see the world brightens.

It was never about fitting in. It was always about being free. Just make your choices and accept the consequences.

And stop letting "normal" be your prison.