As many people think, deviance is a negative term. Yet in some cases, there is actually the concept of positive deviance. The concept of positive deviance is an approach to behavioral and social change based on the observation in communities where peoples unsuccessful behaviors enable them to find better solutions. When people get mugged, they usually get something taken from them and run. But in Julio's case. he reacted positively instead of negatively. As Julio says, "I figure, you know, if you treat people right, you can only hope that they treat you right. It's as simple as it gets in this complicated world." You treat people the way you want to be treated and in the end it leaves a positive remark.
I work at a small ice cream parlor called White Cottage. All the time do I see costumers voluntarily paying for other customer's food. After the multiple times I have seen it happen, I realized it was my turn. As my coworker got to work, she was complaining about how hungry she was. My coworker goes to school full time and plays softball in the college level as well. I decided since she works so hard, I can do her a small favor. I bought her a cheeseburger and an order of French fries. My positive deviance was a random act of kindness, and I did it without being forced too.
After I had done this gesture for my coworker, I did not think much of it. My manager including my coworker said how nice that was of me. I had realized one small gesture can make someone's whole day. Also after doing this act of kindness, it made me feel like a positive person in society. It makes me feel great knowing I have the ability to make someone really happy. This experience has showed me that our society and culture is not kind at all. If just once a day someone would partake in a small act of kindness, people in this society would be much happier. Also, these acts of kindness would not be as surprising if people did them on a daily basis.
Awesome idea!
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