Normal is getting dressed in clothes that you buy for work, driving through traffic in a car that you are still paying for, in order to get to a job that you need so you can pay for the clothes, car and the house that you leave empty all day in order to afford to live in it.
This quote highlights the monotony and emptiness of modern life, where people are trapped in a cycle of work, consumption, and debt. It pokes fun at the idea of 'normalcy' and the notion that people are content with their mundane existence.
The quote critiques the societal pressure to conform to traditional norms and expectations, suggesting that people are often unhappy with their lives despite appearing to be 'normal'.
The quote was written in the 1980s, a time of great social change and economic uncertainty. It reflects the growing disillusionment with modern society and the search for alternative ways of living.
Ellen Goodman is a Pulitzer Prize-winning American columnist and author. She is known for her witty and insightful commentary on social and political issues.
The quote encourages people to question their assumptions about what constitutes a 'normal' life and to seek out alternative paths that bring them greater fulfillment and happiness.