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See also norm (sociology).

In the practical sense a cultural norm is a society's propensity towards certain ideals; their aversion from others; and their standard, ritualistic practices. Essentially what the 'norm' is a summation of typical activities and beliefs of group of people. Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ... In sociology, a norm, or social norm, is a rule that is socially enforced. ... In sociology, a norm, or social norm, is a rule that is socially enforced. ... For the song by the California punk band Pennywise, see Society (song). ...

"Culture norm" is essentially a gentle stereotype. Often times a culture norm is fairly obvious, for instance Anglo-America is primarily capitalist, monogamous, religious with emphasis in liberal education for youth. However, objections of course arise when other culture groups come out and object. In modern usage, a stereotype is a simplified view of a recognisable group of people who share certain characteristic (or stereotypical) qualities. ...

However, in some views the culture norm is a not a practical summation but a constant oppression. Certain religious sects' disdain for homosexuality is likely not viewed as a positive culture norm by homosexuals. But the tides have been turned, in the United States alone democracy, abolition and suffrage have triumphed over prior abhorrence.

One of the pioneers objecting to culture norms was Ayn Rand and her philosophy of Objectivism. In one of Rand's seminal works, The Fountainhead, she advances that the individual should have priorities over the society, as long as they do encroach on other individuals. This, opposite of altruistic practices like nationalism and patriotism, put the human ego as the ultimate judgment, not the culture. Thus, to her, it was not an act of rebellion but of right to disregard the thoughts of the masses for the self. Novelist and philosopher, best known for her philosophy of Objectivism Ayn Rand (February 2, 1905–March 6, 1982; first name pronounced (IPA) (rhymes with mine)), born Alissa Alice Zinovievna Rosenbaum, was best known for her philosophy of Objectivism and her novels The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged. ... Objectivism is the philosophy developed by Russian-born American philosopher and author Ayn Rand. ... The Fountainhead is a 1943 novel by Ayn Rand (ISBN 0452283760). ... // Nationalism is an ideology which holds that the nation, ethnicity or national identity is a fundamental unit of human social life, and makes certain political claims based on that belief, above all the claim that the nation is the only legitimate basis for the state and that each nation is... Defense of the homeland is a commonplace of military patriotism: commemorating the students at the École Polytechnique, Paris, 1814 Patriotism denotes positive attitudes by a person to their own nation, to its national homeland, its culture, its members, and to its interests. ...

The culture norm stills exists, rampant in incessant public polling and ever-churning statistics. Essentially the picture present is not inaccurate per se, but everything is presented in dichotomies, disregarding middle ground and the gray areas that arise. Much of politics is approached and thus defined in polarization of this sort.

The way one views other countries, cultures or regions, like at this time the Middle East, is very much defined by the 'gentle stereotype' of social norms, i e they are Islamic, their women are veiled, etc.

But, just as our approach to ourselves leaves out the finer points of our culture, this leaves out the finer points of cultures abroad. Still it cannot be said that culture norms are not a useful tool is assessing foreign entities, or ourselves.