We deal with the science behind #NormalContact elsewhere on this site. Here is just a place to talk about the #NormalContact philosophy and mentality.
How do I know if the #NormalContact philosophy makes sense for me?
#NormalContact isn’t a thing that’s forced on anyone. (That’s more or less the definition of “not normal!”) It’s a choice to be free. If you wish you could stand at a reasonable distance for a conversation and not feel guilty, #NormalContact is for you. If you go to the store or out in public and wish that we could have the niceties back like being able to smile as you pass a stranger the #NormalContact is for you. If you understand that COVID-19 is being overhyped and not as dangerous as it’s made out to be by the media then #NormalContact is for you.
We get so tied up these days about whether something is liberal or conservative, Left vs. Right, but the things that really define our lives are the interactions we have with others, and those are human issues, not political ones. #NormalContact is for anyone who refuses to let who they are be defined by the fear of a disease that doesn’t need to be feared.
There are no other affiliations or ideologies attached to #NormalContact. While any person or organization may support the #NormalContact movement either formally or informally, that relationship can not be reciprocal. Part of the thinking on #NormalContact philosophy is that we should be able to agree on small, non-political things as people, rather than as followers of political ideologies, so the focus of #NormalContact is as narrow as possible to make it easy for anyone to be supportive or take part.
#NormalContact claims no copyright over the use of the ribbon and anyone is welcome to use it if they abide by the simple philosophy appropriately.
If I wear a ribbon what kind of contact am I obligated to?
You aren’t obligated to anything! Normally, you would choose whether to wave, or shake someone’s hand, or maybe even give them a hug. You still choose that yourself. #NormalContact means you’re willing to have a normal, healthy, friendly interaction with normal, healthy, friendly people at distances that are closer than artificial social distancing guidelines. It doesn’t mean you’re giving permission to folks to treat you horribly. It’s only an indication that you don’t care if someone comes closer, not an invitation to abuse your goodwill.
Why the red and blue ribbon?
One of the causes that uses a red ribbon is just love itself. The idea of being mentally associated with love and charity for one another made a lot of sense. There needed to be another color to differentiate the #NormalColor movement, though. Given that quarantine has caused a rise in physical, sexual, and child abuse, as well as depression and suicide, we looked at a bunch of different potential color combos to settle on red/blue partly because it is used for far fewer causes than most of the other combos. Blue ribbons are often used for child abuse and victims’ rights awareness. Neither is explicitly a focus of the #NormalContact philosophy, but are great reminders of the consequences when we forget to live our lives in a #NormalContact manner.
In our experience, a 6” length of both colors in 3/8” width works great, if you can get actual ribbons. We also have a printable sheet if you’d like to be able to share ribbons with other people.
If I wear a #NormalContact ribbon can I still wear a mask?
Absolutely! While most of the #NormalContact movement refuses to wear a mask, gloves, etc. unless absolutely forced to, some do it anyhow to try and ameliorate those who have more fear of COVID-19. #NormalContact doesn’t dictate what you can do. It’s an invitation to others, not a set of rules for yourself. Wear your ribbon all day or just part of it. Wear a mask and gloves or go “totally normal.” It’s all up to you.
How can I support the #NormalContact philosophy and movement?
There are a few things you can do. First, if you see someone wearing a #NormalContact ribbon make a point to say hi, wave, smile, or otherwise acknowledge them. Let’s make sure that friendliness is part of #NormalContact. Second, wear your own ribbon whenever you feel comfortable! Be prepared to answer the occasional question about what the ribbon represents and what #NormalContact is. (Or, just send anyone with questions here. It’s all good.) If you choose to prepare and give away #NormalContact ribbons we even have a free jpeg that you can cut apart with some basic info on it for the recipients of your gift.
We should take a moment to recognize that your “ribbon” doesn’t need to be an actual ribbon. Craft stores are still closed in most areas. Be creative! Draw the ribbon, make it out of construction paper, use bits of fabric, whatever. Heck, you could draw it on a mask! Take charge and be free.
The next thing you can do is to make sure to like and share us on social media. (Twitter and Instagram) Help get the word out about the #NormalContact philosophy by sharing links to the site, using the hashtag, sharing pics of yourself wearing a ribbon, sharing posts from our social media accounts, and so on. Make sure to use the #NormalContact hashtag in your post. If you do, we might even feature your pic ourselves. (If your post is public we’ll assume it’s ok most of the time, but we’re also happy to remove anything upon request and we’ll try to make sure we ask first anyhow.)
At this time we don’t even take donations through a tip jar or have a store. Maybe some day we will, but not yet. Being kind and friendly just doesn’t cost much, you know? In any case, no donations or store purchases would ever be mandatory. There’s no prerequisite to friendliness.