Awkwardness: A Social Rupture, Not a Personal Failing
Aeon Essays recently published an insightful article titled Make it awkward! by Alexandra Plakias, an associate professor of philosophy at Hamilton College. This piece challenges the common perception of awkwardness as a personal failing, arguing instead that it’s a collective rupturewith the potential to rewrite social scripts.
Plakias argues that awkwardness arises from a failure to conform to existing social norms, but this failure isn’t individual. It’s the situation itself that becomes awkward, not the person. She emphasizes that awkwardness, while often uncomfortable, is not something to be ashamed of. Instead, it should be seen as an opportunity for social change.
Key Takeaways:
- Awkwardness is a social phenomenon: It’s not about individual shortcomings but about the breakdown of social norms.
- Awkwardness is a catalyst for change: It can force us to confront uncomfortable truthsand challenge existing power structures.
- We should embrace awkwardness: Instead of avoiding it, we should see it as an opportunity to rewrite social scripts and create a more inclusive and equitable society.
The article uses several examples to illustrate its point:
- A man who avoids speaking up about sexist behavior because hedoesn’t want to make things awkward.
- A professor who remains silent about a colleague’s inappropriate behavior for fear of causing discomfort.
- A person who avoids mentioning a coworker’s recent loss because they don’t know what to say.
These examples highlight how the fear of awkwardness can preventus from addressing important issues and engaging in meaningful conversations.
Plakias’s argument is timely and relevant:
- In a world increasingly defined by social media and performative behavior, it’s easy to feel pressure to conform and avoid any hint of awkwardness.
- This pressure can stifle genuine connection andprevent us from having difficult but necessary conversations.
By taking awkwardness less personally and more seriously, we can:
- Challenge social norms: Awkwardness can be a powerful tool for disrupting the status quo and promoting social justice.
- Foster genuine connection: Embracing awkwardness can lead tomore authentic and meaningful relationships.
- Create a more inclusive society: By acknowledging and addressing the discomfort that often accompanies social change, we can create a more welcoming and equitable environment for all.
This article is a valuable contribution to the ongoing conversation about social norms and the role of discomfort in creating positive change. It encourages us to reframe our understanding of awkwardness and see it as a potential catalyst for a more just and equitable world.
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