Written by: Bella Rallis & Sarah Cavanaugh

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Anomaly; a word that stands out itself. A word that is interpreted differently from person to person, but connects us all in its overarching meaning. A word that sparks curiosity in us all. We all host anomalies in our inner being, and that may be our biggest advantage as individuals.

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What hope does a return to normalcy bring to an ever-changing world?

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In simple terms, anomaly means deviating from the norm. In collectivist cultures where group harmony is prioritized over individualistic expression, people are pressured to do all they can to maintain the status quo, even at the price of personal autonomy.  An anomaly disrupts this order and inspires non-conformist ideas. . As individuals, it means branching out from the common, practical lifestyle and pursuing your passions, hopes and dreams. Anomaly means sticking to your true interests, embracing the power of decisions and following original ideas. Anomaly means embracing YOU.

In our society, embracing your inner anomaly can be challenging.The rigid social standards can be abrasive and coercive for all but are especially challenging for the innately intense and sensitive ones, who, on many levels—physical, intellectual, psychological and spiritual— just do not fit into the normative stereotypes and expectations.We are taught to live an orderly and simulated lifestyle; taught to travel down the same path, avoiding the road less traveled. We are trained to fit in. We are trained to suppress our emotions. We are trained to instinctively dull our true selves to mesh into the identity of the “common” individual. We are trained to drain our diversity and fall victim to normality. But what excitement does that leave us? What hope does normalcy bring to an ever-changing world?

Normalcy is glorified, when in reality it should be seen as a hindrance. An impediment to self-discovery and diversity. Normalcy is placed high on a pedestal; a platform of which it is undeserving. But why? For order? For ease? For simplicity?

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What benefit does normalcy bring to the diversity of thought in each individual?

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What the world needs are anomalies. The world needs people that wonder about existential issues such as the meaning of life, even when they are pressured to be driven by money, status, and social recognition.  Individuality is the biggest advantage in life. Finding comfort and trust within yourself provides an outlet to opportunity. Trusting your abilities and intuition enables growth and success; two detrimental factors that transform society. Channeling your true, authentic self means embracing your inner anomaly.

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OUR THEME “Anomaly”

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TEDxMSU presents our 2023 Conference theme; Anomaly. Anomaly has broad semantics that can be analyzed sociologically and astronomically. Anomaly represents a deviation or departure from the normal or common order, form, or perspective. It's different from what is usual or expected. It can also be defined as the position of an orbiting body with respect to the point at which it is nearest to or farthest from its primary.

From TEDxMSU to you, we encourage you to embrace your inner anomaly.

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WHAT’S TO COME?

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TED talks bring together inspired and innovative minds from all walks of life to provide a platform for ideas worth sharing. TEDxMSU is planning its 9th annual TEDx conference to bring these thought-provoking ideas to our community at Michigan State University. Our half-day annual conference brings together 10-12 astonishing key speakers, live performances that help discover our student bodies' hidden talents, and labs that encourage student engagement with brands and businesses founded on campus or in the community.