Social Deviance: An American Legacy

Social Deviance: What is it?
The topic of social deviance encompasses such a broad range of ideas. Something as monumentally significant as the Holocaust, as well as something as seemingly insignificant as not covering ones’ mouth while coughing, are both seen as acts of social deviance. Social deviance being any act that is contrary to that which is accepted in one’s society, it seems nearly impossible not to be socially deviant at least occasionally. Today, not only the culture in America but also the culture of human beings in their entirety, has been transformed by socially deviant acts. Some of these historical transformations have been for the better. Others have not. Regardless of the outcome, most acts of deviance are made in an attempt to better society. If the opposite effect is experienced, society reverts to a previous structure. For the less significant acts of deviance, tolerance is often the result of continued deviance, though it is possible that continued deviance will lead to stronger emphasis on cultural norms. An example in America of such an act is, as mentioned before, not saying “God bless you” following the sneeze of another. Society could either evolve to disregard the lapse in etiquette or to chastise any who do not conform to this mannerism. Social deviance is society’s way of introducing change. Whether accepted or rejected, social deviance does indeed have a purpose other than simply contradicting social norms.
America: A Nation of Defiance
The United States of America were not always the United States of America. Long before the United States became an independent nation, we were under the rule of the British monarchy. Before that, we were an unknown land that was inhabited primarily by I...

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...enefit like we did when we abolished slavery, or will we suffer from the loss of morals and corruption of tradition? Change is good, but we must never forget that which we came from. To change too completely is to become ignorant and forget our reason for change in the first place. If we as Americans are to reach the pinnacle of economic, political and social tranquility, we must learn to challenge society in its weakest points, and build up defenses in our strongest. We must define what is important and what is crucial to our way of life. All the groups and acts that differ from the ideal society must be met with aggressive force. Not outright rejection, but certainly not outright acceptance and surrender of past ideals. Social deviance can be an advantage, but only if people remember their morals and become objectively selfless can our society truly benefit.