Just because something is legal doesn’t make it ethical. And just because society accepts or rejects certain things doesn’t automatically make them objectively right or wrong. No society is ever ‘perfect’ and there will always be aspects of it that could stand to be improved. However, some widely accepted things are so toxic that it’s a wonder how they ever became commonplace.
Redditor u/Nebulaud recently asked the AskReddit community to share the social norms that they personally think deserve to disappear from the world, for good. Many internet users rushed to vent their frustrations, and we’ve collected their most interesting takes. Scroll down to check them out, and if you agree with any of these opinions, give them an upvote.
Bored Panda reached out to the author of the important discussion, u/Nebulaud, for their thoughts on shifting social norms, the most problematic things that are accepted that shouldn’t be, as well as how to have a healthier work-life balance. You’ll find our full interview with them as you read on.
#1
The one where women don’t get to decide what to do with their own uteruses.
Image source: mom_with_an_attitude, MART PRODUCTION
#2
Having a bigger problem with the victim who’s complaining than the perpetrator who’s behaving badly.
Image source: beulahbeulah, Pixabay
#3
Not accepting aging. 20-year-old girls shouldn’t be getting ‘preventative Botox,’ and actresses showing signs of aging shouldn’t lose jobs. ‘Aging like milk’ shouldn’t be a saying at all. Normalize aging in general.
Image source: anonymous, Pavel Danilyuk
#4
In the US, tipping.
Image source: Biomax315, Kelly
#5
“Respect your elders”
An elderly a*****e is still an a*****e.
Image source: Arandombritishpotato, Tima Miroshnichenko
#6
Working beyond your assigned work hours. If I arrive on time, I should be able to leave on time. Ofcourse, a bit of stretch every once in a while is okay but this hustle culture of working 18 hours a day and wearing pride in eyes that look like they have been smacked hard and nice – this norm needs to be challenged and eradicated for good.
Image source: GaloutiKababs, Ron Lach
#7
Sharing everything in your life online for strangers to look at.
Image source: throwRA-disabledbrit, Anna Nekrashevich
#8
Men not having/ showing emotions.
Image source: anon, Ruly Nurul Ihsan
#9
Saying “boys will be boys.”.
Image source: BarbaraSandra48, nappy
#10
Asking women when/if they’re going to have children or if they want children. It’s such a personal question that I’m surprised people still ask.
Image source: the_unkola_nut, Baptista Ime James
#11
Forcing kids to hug or show affection to relatives they’re uncomfortable with. Teaching boundaries and consent from a young age is way more important than avoiding a moment of awkwardness at family gatherings.
Image source: kyotopa549, August de Richelieu
#12
Tablets for little kids. We need to keep screen time to a minimum for all the little beans. It is disrupting their brain.
Image source: BillAdamaFanClub, Andrea Piacquadio
#13
Being guilted into being ‘the bigger person to keep the peace’ – you shouldn’t have to sacrifice your own peace for someone else’s.
Image source: letmehauntyourdreams, Sofia Alejandra
#14
Being expected to be ‘available’ at all times. Work chasing you home, work messages at all hours of the day and night.
Messages on vacation, sick days etc.
Image source: StillSimple6, RDNE Stock project
#15
Weddings.
Wedding culture under late stage capitalism is insane. Let’s normalize not asking your friends and family to shell out thousands of dollars or go into debt out of obligation. What happened to going to a local bar for a bachelorette party? Why are we planning 5 day trips to Miami?
Image source: CleverQuill02, Jonathan Borba
#16
Overpriced engagement rings.
Image source: MaryVixen17, Jesus Arias
#17
Looking at your phone while talking to other people.
Image source: TornadoXyz6429, fauxels
#18
Never speak ill of the dead.
Image source: _ReDd1T_UsEr, Brett Sayles
#19
Demanding new hires have experience for entry level jobs that would give them said experience. Obviously, plenty of jobs *must* require prior experience, but many of the ones that do, really don’t.
Image source: Chunk_Cheese, Tima Miroshnichenko
#20
Not talking about your pay to coworkers.
Image source: Gresvigh, August de Richelieu
#21
Everything always needing to be positive.
Image source: tjonkert, cottonbro studio
#22
Calling ambitious women “bossy.”.
Image source: LisaSiren95, Moose Photos
#23
Work coming before mental health.
Image source: OwnPainting7487, Mizuno K
#24
Tipping on self checkout/retail/fast food just because the iPad told you to. Also not putting a custom tip when the options are 30%, 40% and 50% of the post tax total.
Image source: tubemaster, _seaweed_
#25
Lip fillers, Botox, artificial eyebrows and other manufactured “beauty”. It’s too much pressure on young people and creating a superficial anti aging agenda instead of balanced wellness and healthy attitudes.
Image source: OneConsciousLife, Lucas Guimarães Bueno
#26
Sharing the most personal things, CRINGIEST and stupid stuff for the sole purpose of getting views on social media.
Image source: TraditionalAd4255, Ron Lach
#27
40 hour work week. It’s high time for 4 day, 32 hours work weeks.
Image source: StewartConan, CoWomen
#28
Gendering chores.
Image source: SharonDoll96, Tima Miroshnichenko
#29
Overconsumption. I think mindful consumption is so important. Yes, you can spend money on things but I think it should be things you really really value. It clutters up your mindspace, your home environment and the environment environment. There are so many ways to get your dopamine rush. Like you can even buy really quality clothes second hand on poshmark and the real real and they can be priced at shein and aliexpress prices but way better quality and elongates the garment’s life. I personally got into social work and also volunteering in my own time and I just don’t have a need for endless things anymore.
Image source: DisciplineBoth2567, freestocks
#30
Toxic positivity. I struggle to find spaces where I can let my problems out so I can get help.
Image source: TheRexRider, Donald Tong
#31
“Man up” mentality.
Image source: KimberlyLinda501, Ketut Subiyanto
#32
Long goodbyes. When I say it’s time to go I am ready TO LEAVE. The midwestern politeness thing where you say goodbye five times and it takes an hour needs to gtfo.
Image source: weaselodeath, Liliana Drew
#33
Assuming elders hate tech.
Image source: LindaElizabeth496, Andrea Piacquadio
#34
Shaking hands probably isn’t the best idea. There’s a shameful number of people who don’t wash their hands after using the toilet.
Image source: CaratacusBambino, Sora Shimazaki
#35
Prioritizing traditions over progress.
Image source: DonnaMuse77, Inzmam Khan
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