The Consistency Paradigm

A fabric of expectations holds together THE DEAL™ in which we live. We’re expected, for example, to partner with someone of “a different sex” (hetero-normativity). We’re expected to read and respect non-explicit social cues (class-normativity, whiteness & neuro-normativity). And we’re expected to perform genders given to us as children (cis-normativity). Some of these expectations (like heteronormativity) are slowly unravelling socially and legally. Many other such norms we’re yet to chellenge in court. Undoubtedly, there are many we haven’t yet noticed or named. One powerful norm that I’ve not seen named, let alone skewered, seems to underpin a bunch of other norms. It’s kind of a meta-norm. I’m calling it the consistency paradigm. It goes like this:

If you like the taste of cucumbers at lunch time, you’re exepected to like them in the evening too. If you “suddenly” don’t, you’re abberant and you have something to explain: “but you ate them before!” Uniformity is not only demanded at meal times. Sometimes your varying ability to pay attention is disbelieved: “You managed this fine last week. Get on with it.” Or if you feel masculine today and feminine tomorrow and dress accordingly, you’ll get feedback.