How would you describe the average library setting? Libraries are generally serene and quiet. They are tidy places where you can rent books, relax and read, write an essay or study for a test. The norm or expected behavior in a library is respectful, calm and serious behavior. Generally, you keep to yourself. You don't visit the local library to meet an old friend or to joke around. For this assignment I chose to violate library policy. I chose to do it subtly to avoid making a major scene or getting kicked out. By violating the norm, I exhibited deviant behavior. This is any behavior that violates the norms that apply in a given situation. I portrayed someone who could be called a “creeper” or a stalker. The role I played involved some variations of the same general idea. My actions always involved looking. The purpose of my experiment was to elicit a response from each of the target subjects. Before my experiment, I was really nervous. This went against my shy and relaxed exterior. My thought was that I would be too nervous to follow through with the plan or that I would immediately break character and laugh. I couldn't bring a friend because I knew it would be even harder to stay calm. I'll give some specific reactions I've received. For the first round, I walked over to a row of computers and sat next to a woman who looked to be in her late thirties. She was writing a letter or paper, so I decided to compete with her. I grabbed Word and started typing as fast as I could while repeatedly shooting quick glances at her. I knew how ridiculous I looked. As soon as I saw her looking out of the corner of my eye, I lost control and laughed. I told her about my assignment and we... halfway down the paper... violation of the rules determine whether the act is "deviant". According to this view, deviance depends on the reactions of others. My violation of norms is considered a deviant act based on the reactions I received. A negative response or reaction to a behavior means that the behavior is deviant. Behavior considered “normal” will not elicit a reaction. In summary, my rule violation was simple. I violated the library norm by staring and imitating strangers. The aim was to generate responses. It shows the need and importance of norms in society. My violation of the rules is just one of countless examples. It's hard for me to say what society would be like without social norms. It could go many different ways, positive and negative. Rules are fundamental to balance and order. They allow us to maintain expectations for others and understand what is expected of ourselves.