Social Norms In American Culture

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Social norms refer to the way that members of a society are expected to act and behave. These norms provide structure and conformity for individuals within a society. They also provide a sense of “normalcy” amongst individuals within a society. In a society, “we tend to follow our own cultural norms without questioning them, because we regard them as the ‘norm’.” (Henslin,2012). To intentionally break a cultural norm, takes some thought and effort to consciously go against our inbred “culture within us.” When pondering about social norms that I could break and the reactions of others, I began brainstorming various social norms. One in particular norm came to mind. In American society there is a social norm that if you use the drive thru window …show more content…

I felt a sense of guilt which was also heightened by the stares and the turning of heads in the vehicles of the customers still waiting in the line. I proceeded to drive around the customers in the drive thru line and to park. I went inside the Chic Fil A. I walked up to the cashier and informed her that I had ordered in the drive thru line and that I needed to pay for and pick up my order. The cashier seemed confused and I had to restate my intentions. She proceeded to the employee handling orders at the drive thru. She had to explain the situation a few times to this employee. I also overheard a customer in the drive thru line stating, “This is not what I ordered!” The employee at the drive thru window was trying to handle this confusion, as well as deal with her colleague in assisting me. I felt guilty that I had not only caused confusion in the drive thru window, but now had the front service counter window backed up while the employee was attempting to help me. I could feel my body temperature rising, due to the feeling of embarrassment. I also wanted to avoid turning around to make eye contact with the individuals waiting in the line behind me, but felt it would better assist me with identifying their reactions. According to George Herbert Mead “we learn to take the role of the other through play”. (Henslin, 2012, p. 71) This concept caused me to feel guilty and relate to what the others were feeling. I could relate to their feelings of frustration and

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