Anyways, a moment ago a little boy wandered over to me and asked, "Whatcha doing?" This poor little boy has patiently tried to stand next to his mother who seems to be taking forever in selecting her book from the shelves. He's resorted at times to running laps around the shelves--only to be scolded by his mother.
"Whatcha doing?" the little boy asked.
"Doing some homework," I responded.
"Gerald*, get back over here. Don't talk to strangers," his mother sternly warned.
Poor little buddy. He's just curious. And I'm not that strange. Its safe to say that we were all like that little boy once. Curious about the world, and unashamed to try to figure it out. Too soon, however, we learn that talking to busy strangers is not culturally appropriate. We should mind our own business, be quiet, and not run in the library.
I'd hate to be so bold, but perhaps a little bit of that boy's creativity died today. Now there were new rules that he needs to obey in order to 'act appropriately'. Sure, I think that society does need order, guidelines, and limitations. But I sure hope that this little boy learns to flourish within them and bend them when safe and appropriate.
(Cue rant that we need to rise beyond simply following rules, being quiet, and minding our own business.)
*Little boy's name has been changed for his protection.
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