Individuality

It seems that school rules prohibit my niece from using dye in her hair. These school officials are also in the process of instituting a policy of uniforms. The papers I read regarding this issue state that the purpose of this policy is to take away distractions and put all children on the same level. That sounds really good in theory doesn't it? I have to wonder though, if we allow this to continue are we not effectively eradicating individuality? I had always understood school to be a sort of 'dry run' for the real world. In the real world, there are distractions. In the real world, there are all different types of people and societies. How are children to prepare for these interactions? Malcolm X said, "Education is our passport to the future. For tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today."

Are we to continue these rules in our work places? What of work places where there are dress codes, does this dispose of distractions and harassment? No, it doesn't. Just because you're all dressed the same -  it doesn't mean that the teasing eases.  Do we really want a world where everyone is the same? Where everyone wears the same clothes and has the same hair? Sounds like the playboy mansion. Or this:

I know that kids are very cruel. I'm sure nearly all of us were the victims of some instance of bullying in our formative years. I'm not all saying that I condone such behavior but let me ask you, did these instances not make you a more empathetic grown up? What we should be teaching our children instead of hiding their differences is to encourage it. People who are different change the world. People who are the same keep it that way. Edward Vernon Rickenbacker said, " The four cornerstones of character on which the structure of this nation was built are: initiative, imagination, individuality, and independence."

Take away individuality and you take away free thinking. If we allow that to happen all the world is going to have left is two types of people. The upper level geniuses who only care about themselves and the lowest level of people who eat crayons and roll their shit into little balls. What society doesn't realize is that we need the middle man. The world needs mediocrity. The common man who lends a cup of sugar to his neighbor or helps a stranger beside the road repair a flat tire. I am one of those people. If we continue this way I'm afraid we are going to end up dividing with a world full of people who either work toward advances with no regard for human emotion or stand staring at the sky for hours saying, "de plane," over and over. Margaret Meade said, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

 How long before the things that we enjoy are turned against us? How long before we are ridiculed for our independent desires? Oh that's right, it's already happening. How many have you been made fun of because Twilight made you happy? How many of you have been made to feel bad because of him:

Should we not teach our children to accept others differences, how to get along with all types of people? If we want a world wherein people are free to think and feel and express themselves should we not allow our children the same rights? Teach them to be forgiving and understanding. Teach them it's okay to be true to their inner selves. Make it okay for them to laugh as well read and write.

Are these very same things not some of the reasons that make Rob such a great man?

Obviously you can't let them just do whatever they want but if they never get to be themselves, how will they find out who they are?

I know some of you are going to disagree with me and that's fine because that's what makes this a great place to live. Freedom to choose. Right?