tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7189165.post6705270109867679664..comments2024-03-25T09:59:02.715-07:00Comments on Eat The Blog: "You're Not From Omaha, Are You?"Goodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17383404429461423998noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7189165.post-24146407141076225452013-09-22T20:19:50.112-07:002013-09-22T20:19:50.112-07:00It seems so strange, having lived through the 60&#...It seems so strange, having lived through the 60's/70's when everyone was doing their own thing, to swing so far back in the other direction. Remember when your teachers wanted students to be creative? That would probably get you on some damn blacklist now. I think school, both public and private is harder on the parents than the children. All that nonsense of how you present yourself-I mean, didn't anyone see Serial Mom? Just because you're wearing a twinset and pack away the white shoes after labour day doesn't make you normal. I wouldn't point that out at a parent/teacher meeting. John Waters movies probably wouldn't work as a reference point. <br /><br />And then, you have to worry they'll call in the social workers. <br /><br />Think about the language we use today. *Compliance.* You are not in compliance! Combined with the Orwellian way everyone is tracked, why not just hang out the banners ordering, "Obey!" Don't draw attention to yourself. <br /><br />I think you almost have to dress so over the top that it intimidates people. Wild hair colours, visible tattoos, piercings-around here that would come off as "arty" and largely, those people get left alone because they seem like the sort of people that read books. <br /><br />Small town America has always been kind of mean in that way. We like to think of it as Our Town, but we get Dogville. <br /><br />Goodyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17383404429461423998noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7189165.post-20368704448049451742013-09-22T18:07:02.691-07:002013-09-22T18:07:02.691-07:00The public school system does not appreciate self ...The public school system does not appreciate self expression through appearance. Just try showing up to parent teacher meeting wearing something that is off the beaten path. The chatter among the teachers will socially stifle your child and make the family outcasts. Layer your damn hair, get a few highlights, shop only at Kohl's and don't you dare wear black or someone will accuse you of some heinous existence. Such is the world in small town America. Janicehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03962490721295362487noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7189165.post-50588306651711141852013-09-22T18:00:01.241-07:002013-09-22T18:00:01.241-07:00The notion of conforming in my world has always st...The notion of conforming in my world has always stemmed from the public school system. I know, I'm combining a few of your recent posts into one comment. In the public school system if a child is somewhat off the beaten path in their hair, clothes, make-up, they become socially shunned by students and teachers alike. Even worse, parents who do not conform to a certain "look". Self expression through appearance is not appreciated in my neck of the woods. Janicehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03962490721295362487noreply@blogger.com