Final answer:
The option that is NOT an example of a formal norm within the U.S. is 'd. Shaking hands when greeting someone,' as it is a matter of social etiquette rather than a formal rule that is enforced by laws or official regulations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks which of the given options is NOT an example of a formal norm within the U.S. The options provided are:
- Stopping at a red traffic light
- Not talking loudly in a library
- Dressing appropriately for a job interview
- Shaking hands when greeting someone
Formal norms are established, written rules and laws that are enforceable by an authority. Norms such as stopping at a red traffic light are formal because there are legal implications for not following this rule. Similarly, dressing appropriately for a job interview refers to societal expectations that are often codified in dress codes or company policies. In contrast, informal norms dictate appropriate behaviors without the need for written rules, and are generally followed due to social pressures rather than legal enforcement.
Shaking hands when greeting someone, while common in U.S. culture, is not a formal norm. It's a customary practice that is widely accepted as part of the culture's social etiquette, but there are no laws or formal regulations requiring people to shake hands. Therefore, the correct answer is 'd. Shaking hands when greeting someone' because it is not a formal norm with legal or official sanctions behind it.