Chapter 7 How does the majority build perceptions of what is good and what is bad in society?

There is no absolute good or bad in human society. When the majority of a society approves a perception, it becomes labeled as good. When the majority disapproves of a perception, it becomes labeled as bad. This process functions like a natural form of democracy rather than something consciously or artificially designed by humans.

For example:

  1. Introverts are often seen as less attractive, while extroverts are considered more appealing, because the majority of society tends to be extroverted. Social norms are shaped around traits that are more common and visible.

  1. Similarly, homosexuals are often considered abnormal while heterosexuals are not, because the majority of people in human society are heterosexual. What is common is treated as normal, and what is rare is treated as deviant.

  1. Bright skin is often considered more attractive than dark skin because a larger part of society is attracted to lighter skin tones. As a result, preferences for darker skin receive less social visibility and acceptance, making people who prefer dark skin appear rare or marginalized.

The formula is that when the largest part of society likes something, it is considered good and acceptable, whereas when only a small part of people like something, it is considered bad and unacceptable.

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Srabon Ghosh