A Humorous Look at How 'Normal' Human Behavior Has Changed Throughout History

This cartoon by John Atkinson, titled 'The Old Normal,' provides a satirical perspective on how societal norms have shifted over thousands of years. By highlighting specific historical practices—such as shaving eyebrows in 1000 BC, using pottery shards for hygiene in 500 BC, and smoking in hospitals during the 20th century—the comic suggests that what we consider 'normal' is often arbitrary and subject to change. The illustration serves as a reminder that every era has its own peculiar customs that might seem bizarre to future generations, helping to put modern-day eccentricities into a broader historical context.