#9 What We're Feeling Is "Hypernormalization"
Plus "Glimmers" Over Triggers, Long-Term Gift Ideas, And How My Book Crushed It on PussTok.
Hello everyone and welcome to Undividing where we are reconnecting a divided world.
And how nice it is to be back again. I’ve missed writing these. But the break in Australia for the last month has been amazing, nourishing, and needed. Lots of food, family, friends, and beaches. OMG the beaches in Australia, they are a wonder of the world.
2025 though… what a year it’s shaping up to be. It will be anything but dull. Wars, President Trump, my old hometown LA burning, tech oligarchs as the new world leaders, DEI RIP, I mean the list goes on and on.
At the root of each one, a profound division of some kind. That’s not even counting the ones that we feel in our personal and professional lives. Yet I find myself hopeful. For no other reason that I believe in the power of all of us together to sort our shit out.
In Undividing #9 this week we’re diving into:
Undividing Our World - Hypernormalization - that thing that you’re feeling, like you’re in the opening scenes of an apocolyptic movie, it’s called Hypernormalization. We’re going to dive into that, give it a name, and give ourselves an alternative.
Undividing Ourselves - Glimmers - Another new word, and I love me a glimmer now that I know what they are, I pay attention to them.
Undividing Extras - Generational Gifts - late for Xmas but perfect for a year of birthdays ahead of you, here’s some gift thoughts that won’t end up in landfill.
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Undividing Our World: Hypernormalization - Understanding It and Breaking Free
I’ve been feeling something for years, acutely between when I moved to Berlin in 2018 and before Covid. I didn’t have a name for it. But just this sense of quiet dread that everything was going too fast, in the wrong direction, that it wasn’t sustainable, and that we were blind to the real issues, whatever they were…
A fog of dread.
But I couldn’t have told you what or where the fog machine was or how to turn it off.
Then Covid happened, and I have to say there was one part of it that I enjoyed a lot—that breakneck speed we were at, came to a grinding halt. And that, maybe the huge plus would be all of us forced to take a breather, and reflect.
But then rumours, fears, and mass rallies about Big Pharma, anti-vaxxing etc took up all the attention and oxygen in the room.
Post Covid, we hit the accelerator pedal around the globe to get “back to normal” asap when normal was the problem in the first place.
And now that feeling is back again. A division I feel deep in myself between my instincts and what I’m seeing in the world. It leaves me feeling that something is profoundly off.
And I finally heard the word for it.
What is Hypernormalization?
Click the link here to watch this video. It was the catalyst for this week. https://www.instagram.com/drrobertoche/reel/DE0zXYZOrz8/
“Hypernormalization” describes the feeling of living in a world where everything seems absurd, yet everyone goes along with it because the alternatives are too complex or unsettling to consider. So people become trapped in a cycle of accepting false narratives, manipulated realities, and societal contradictions as the norm. We see it in politics, media, and even our daily interactions (gaslighting, anyone?)—a sense that the world is becoming increasingly surreal, yet we continue to play along because it feels easier than questioning the system.
Dear reader, if you’re feeling that your instincts are telling you one thing but the world is telling you something very different, you’re not crazy.
This phenomenon was popularized by the 2016 documentary HyperNormalisation by Adam Curtis, which explores how governments, corporations, and the media construct simplified narratives to maintain control and stability. Whether it's the illusion of financial prosperity, political stability, or social harmony, hypernormalization convinces us that everything is functioning normally, even when deep down, we know it isn't. But our simple monkey brains like simple solutions. Life, its problems, and hypernormalization aren’t simple though.
That said, naming something is the first step to figuring out what to do with it. And there’s nothing healthier than talking about something we’re all going through.
Where Did the Term Come From?
The term "hypernormalization" originated in the 1990s from Russian scholar Alexei Yurchak, who studied the final years of the Soviet Union. Yurchak observed that Soviet citizens, despite recognizing that the system was failing, continued to behave as if everything was fine because there was no clear alternative. They lived in a paradox—a society where lies were accepted as truth because it was easier than confronting the harsh reality of collapse.
Side note, it’s almost impossible to find a good photo of this man on the internet. Which for some reason makes me believe he’s very good at what he does. Plus he never smiles. Bonus creds.
Curtis (who also has a low good picture count ergo probably smart too) adopted this term to describe modern Western societies, arguing that we now experience a similar phenomenon. Governments and institutions create simplified, often deceptive narratives to mask complex and chaotic realities. In turn, people accept these narratives because the truth feels too overwhelming or chaotic to address.
Social media, for instance, plays a significant role in reinforcing hypernormalization by bombarding us with endless content, making it difficult to distinguish between truth and fiction. When I was younger, truth was everywhere but relative. Your version of the truth depended on your world perspective. That said, we argued about the same set of facts. Now facts are whatever anyone thinks are facts.
Side note, have you noticed that there is no #savetiktok movement. Half of the world is on it, but if it went away, I think a lot of us would be relieved. Might explore more of that phenom next week.
Anyway, it feels like truth is not an endangered species, but that it can be conjured out of thin air - when I hear the most outlandish news claims, I’ll think, I don’t believe that, but if it does turn out to be true, I wouldn’t be surprised.
How Does Hypernormalization Feel?
Living in a state of hypernormalization often feels like being caught in an endless loop of confusion and disillusionment. People often feel:
Apathy: Many people become disengaged from politics and social change because they feel that nothing they do will make a difference. I’m guilty of this one!
Constant distraction: The digital age floods us with distractions that prevent us from reflecting on deeper societal issues. I’m working on this one.
Emotional exhaustion: The pressure to keep up with conflicting narratives and adapt to an ever-changing world can be mentally draining. I don’t know about you, but I don’t think I’ve ever felt as tired in my life.
A prime example of hypernormalization in action is the global response to climate change. While most people acknowledge the crisis, everyday life continues largely unchanged—corporations push sustainability campaigns while still prioritizing profit, and individuals struggle to reconcile their desire for change with their reliance on modern conveniences.
I’ve written about this before, that we as a species are reactive and not proactive. We can have all that evidence but until it’s on our doorstep we don’t act, often when it’s too late. For example, a lot of the questions Angelinos are asking angrily about the fires aren’t new questions. But it’s taken the fires before the city’s services are being forced to answer and make changes.
How Can We Break Free from Hypernormalization?
Look this isn’t the easiest thing to do. But I prefer the feeling of action over the lurking dread. Breaking free from hypernormalization requires a conscious effort to challenge bullshit and reclaim our agency. Here are some some actions to start making meaningful changes:
1. Cultivate Critical Thinking: One of the most powerful tools against hypernormalization is the ability to think critically. Question the sources of information you consume, seek diverse perspectives, and avoid falling into echo chambers that reinforce comfortable but misleading narratives. Platforms like Media Bias/Fact Check can help identify potential biases in news sources.
Ground News is another good source to get info from - aggregated and openly tagging the political bias of publications. Also interesting to see who’s reporting what and how. Amazing the difference between headlines about the same incident.
And hell, watch more South Park - they’ve been calling out the real deal for 27 seasons. You can watch every episode free in that link.
2. Reconnect with Reality Through Community Engagement: When you feel overwhelmed by global issues, focus on local action. Join grassroots movements about issues you care about, volunteer, attend community meetings, and have real conversations with people outside your usual social circles. These all counter the abstract and distant narratives that hypernormalization fosters.
I once saw Vivienne Westwood speak (still miss you Auntie Viv), and she answered a question about how to save the polar ice caps—find something in your neighbourhood that you know is bullshit and protest it. Her rational was the same people that are profiting from destroying a playground here are making money destroying the environment. Or they at least go to the same golf club. “Protest locally, and kick them in the balls globally,” was her quote that got the whole crowd cheering.
3. Practice Media Minimalism: Information overload is a key factor in sustaining hypernormalization. Consider reducing screen time, curating your media diet, and dedicating more time to deep reading and meaningful discussions. Studies have shown that reducing digital consumption can improve cognitive function and help individuals regain a sense of clarity.
Here’s an easy one - try deleting all social media apps for a week and note the changes in your mindset.
Final Hypernormalizing Thoughts
Hypernormalization thrives on passive acceptance, but awareness is the first step toward change. Hopefully now, after reading this you have a name for it.
Next, by questioning dominant narratives, engaging in community action, and taking deliberate steps to filter the information we consume, we can begin to break free from the illusion and work towards a more connected and authentic world.
The bottom line, talk to each other.
Remember what we’re capable of. Coming back to the Covid example, the global economy stopped because we all stopped spending money. If we can stop the world, we can change it too.
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Undividing Ourselves: Glimmers
We are all very well versed the definitions of triggers. Trigger warnings appear in books, films, articles etc. I can never decide if these are a good idea or not. Like, should we have them so people aren’t caught out and spiral over something painful? Or should we not have them, and dealing with the shock is a way to lessen it over time and heal?
A topic for another time.
But what is a great idea are glimmers, the opposite of triggers.
I love this little quote I found on an IG account I follow called @spiritualgoal. Here’s the most important part of the quote for me; train your brain. It feels good to read this post. It feels even better to put it into action. Takes practice, but the more you see glimmers, the more you see glimmers.
It’s like a gratitude journal but live as you walk around in your world.
I’m glimmering over the Manuka Honey I brought back from Australia that I just ate on some toast. What’s a glimmer for you today?
And next time you’re catching up with a friend, don’t open with what some dick did, or the latest political whatevers. Try opening with retelling a glimmer and ask them about one of theirs.
Undividing Extra: Long Term Present Giving
My family and I have a no present policy at Xmas. Two decades and counting. We realised in the early 2000s that we were giving each other “stuff” that would probably all end up in landfill. Our gift to each other is not to make more trash.
A lot of presents that are given are short term. They give a dopamine rush to the giver and receiver, are pondered or laughed over, hang around for a while on a shelf or drawer, then end up in the trash. Not to mention all the wrapping paper etc.
So here’s an idea; give gifts that are supposed to last a lifetime.
I think we should normalise giving fruit trees, sourdough starters, favourite recipes, albums, plants, art, and anything else that’s going to go on giving joy for the next few years and maybe decades.
I’m fond of cooking. So I think I’ll give my favourite recipes to folks. And I do have a soft spot for succulents—even a total brownthumb friend of yours can keep one alive in the shower.
Happy next ten birthdays!
Till the Emotions Diary on Thursday, big undividing hugs to you all,
Karl
How Cats Burned A Rainbow
As always I would love your support of my book, How To Burn A Rainbow. It’s won a Readers Favorite (Goodreads) and BIBA for LGBTQ+ memoir. Most importantly it’s cat approved. Felines particularly love the chapter when I talk about my cat and how I was her servant. Many cats have texted me to say how Francine has become an inspiration to them and they are hoping for similar subservience from their owners, or as Francine liked to call me, staff.
You can pick a copy up from Jeff at the US Amazon store or from Ru Paul’s Allstora who now ship internationally. Or order one at your local bookstore. Or two, one for you and one for your favourite cat.
Great reading! Thank you. Hypernormalization is dangerous because it erases the richness of the world, which lies in its nuances!
Great documentary… https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p04b183c