We are constantly bombarded by should - you should look like this, you should live like this, you should want that.
From
the time we are young we are programmed to stifle our impulses. We should behave properly. We should sit quietly in school
and get good grades, never mind that our young bodies are aching to move and express. Never mind that there are subjects that,
somewhere, in the core of our being, we know, will never be relevant to whom we are destined to become.
We are told,
over and over, that our dreams, myths and visions are unrealistic. Worse than that, they are dangerous, and they will make
us too odd, too different.
Be good, be appropriate. You need to get a good job, wear the right clothes, find the right
partner, get the right house or apartment. Present yourself appropriately. People should like you. You need approval.
From
whom? From them! Who are they? The ones who know better, the ones who play the dominant culture game the best, the ones
who hold the money and power, the ones who run the media. The ones who are on the covers of the shiny magazines
Who
are you to look elsewhere for your validation? Who are you to stand up and say your dreams are OK? You are too young, unrealistic,
uneducated or underfunded. Look like they want you to look. Act like they want you to act. Live like they want you to act
and all will be OK.
Why?
Because that's the way the world is, because otherwise you will wind up on the street
alone. Because you can't buck the system. Because I said so!
Stop asking so many questions and do as you
are told.
Why?
If you don't you will not get love and approval.
From whom?
From the world, from me.
You are being unreasonable, too much trouble, do as you are told.
What about my soul? What about my dreams? What
about what I see that is not real, is not kind and is not good in this dominant society, in this world, on this planet?
What
about it?
What about it?
What is it about our authentic feelings, knowing, and myths that stir up so much trouble?
