Though our surroundings are bannered with slogans of
freedom and choice, it's the American way to conform. Starting in grade
school, being hard to predict and categorize brings suspicion, teasing, and
incorrect answers on standardized assessments. As adults, recess and bubble
tests are replaced with other settings and measures equally intolerant of our
idiosyncrasies.
Thankfully―necessarily―there remain boldly unusual
characters who maintain and unapologetically celebrate their difference.
Standout souls too rare to care about the heckler's ridicule. Defiers of the
status quo.
If not for our imagination, what makes us human?
I'm not sure what this arbitrary image from my
headspace is, but that's the purpose of a blank canvas: to invite originality.
Sometimes a new idea gains meaningful traction and becomes usable. Other times
it turns out an impractical novelty and just fades away like a contrail to
nowhere. Regardless, the creative act has value because it's a thrill in
itself, and propels further creativity and eventual change. Without it,
we lap a tired, redundant track.
Damn it!