I’m sorry that it has been so long since my last post. The holidays sure are great, but I got very behind in my work schedule. I’m just now catching up with everything. I finally have a little time to relax and continue my study of Green Design and Homebuilding.
Sadly, as I’ve been perusing through various websites, I ‘ve noticed a disturbing trend — the dreaded curse of normativity!
It’s probably a good idea to take the time to define two key terms: normativity and objectivity. Normativity is focused on telling others what “should be”. It attempts to force an opinion on others. Meanwhile, objectivity is not influenced by personal feelings, interpretations, or prejudice; it is based on facts and is unbiased.
Although it is impossible to completely eliminate normativity from our writing, true advocates for green living need to be as strictly objective as possible. Remember that when opinions are stated, you should make sure your intended audience knows that it is only an opinion. Writers should be aware that they are not trying to force their views on other people.
I recently read an article that listed the top ten green engineering trends of 2008. The headline sounded very informative, but much to my dismay, I was told that I am single-handedly destroying the planet (all because I use incandescent light bulbs, plastic shopping bags, and a gas-powered car). I speak from experience when I say that people hate it when they are told that their lifestyle is harmful to the environment.
That article left a bad taste in my mouth for quite awhile. If I ever start getting too “green-preachy”, please let me know. I love it when I come across an article that just lays down the facts, fair and square. That is far more persuasive than a publication that tries to “guilt” people into green living.
So there you have it. There is my opinion about normative writing. Personally, I think green lifestyles would gain much more popularity if the loudest advocates weren’t so normative or “pushy”. You’re free to form your own opinion. In fact, I’d love to hear what other people have to say. Let me know what your opinion is about anything – especially green living! (it’d be nice to know if anyone actually reads my rantings) Until then, Happy New Year!
