Our country should operate on this philosophy; Everyone should be free to choose, free to speak, and free to act as long as it doesn't infringe on anyone else's freedom. That is the closest we can get to a "free" society.
I would describe my older brother as charismatic and funny. When we were reunited, I immediately saw confidence, sometimes to the point of irresponsibility. He was all R&B music and women. My younger brother, the baby, has a big heart and thinks simply. He was into rock and rap and somehow fell into the Latin culture. He was fun and youthful. Joe has his opinions of Scott's "Latin life" in Minnesota, but there were a lot of people that genuinely liked Scott. Amazing they were so "happy" despite what they had grown up with.
Then, there is me. Really, I was a nerd. My mom picked out my clothes until she died. I listened to pop music and oldies. Even though they were 20 years old, I was into the Monkees. I was addicted to video games and daydreaming that I was someone else. Yes, I'll admit my darkest secrets; I had invisible friends and played with stuffed animals and action figures until a disturbing age.
One of my best friends introduced me to the X-men and thus began my superhero craze. Power Rangers were part of my daily schedule. Watching people save the world by extraordinary means was the highlight of my days. I even watched the original black & white Mickey Mouse Club and Disney movies from every era.
The one great thing about my life was that my a-parents and my friends never judged or critiqued my interest. I had total freedom to explore music, movies, and art in any direction I wanted to go. The reason that matters so much is because it allowed me to talk to almost anyone from any clique. I also think it helped me really define my eyes and ears for entertainment. I am confident that I can tell garbage from something that took effort and time.
I get lost in the beauty of creation. I do not comprehend people that embrace trash and refuse to challenge themselves with the intricate workings of art. I have my guilty pleasures, but studying a scene from a great movie or appreciating the vocal range of a singer is like solving a mystery or cracking a code. It helps me think deeper and without limitations.
I'm not suave or funny like Joe. I'm not as open and friendly as Scott. Though my grades slipped in school and the world made fun of my use of the English language, what education I have is what has gotten my through life. It IS who I am.
We live in a society where people are forced to "dumb down" in order to not be made fun of by people with "street smarts". There were people I couldn't hang around as a teenager because I used words that they didn't understand. But instead of them improving their vocabulary, they ask that I reduce mine.
My point? Don't EVER be less than what you are. For some it will be a tougher road than others, but to be ashamed of who you are is to die slowly...it means to let others control you. We live in a free country, right?
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