Boxes Are For Squares.

It's time for arts and crafts. On small tables are rolls of ribbon; googly-eyes; glue; pads of construction paper; and little scissors with a mutlitude of colored handles. Everyone dives right in, eyes glinting with joy and minds already picturing a masterpiece, just waiting to be brought to life by little hands. One girl has drawn Mommy and Daddy on either side of herself, each holding one of her hands. Another has drawn a pretty princess in a castle. A boy has designed a blue frog in a forest of red leaves. They all show each other what they have created. Eyes bulge with interest and perhaps a smidge of jealousy as they see what their classmates have come up with, but then it is their turn to show what they have done. At once, any trace of jealousy leaves their faces, and each child eagerly presents their own jewels. By this time, they've all been trained well.

That's it. Simple and perfect. A feeling exists, but then it doesn't; envy of another is replaced with pride of the self. We are taught from the time we are in kindergarten to notice and to appreciate others, while simultaneously never losing sight of what makes us special individuals.

I've been told more than once that you never truly forget anything once you've learned it.

So. When did it become okay to stop appreciating others? When did it become acceptable to build a box, put a person inside of it, and sit on top until the prisoner has learned that being different is undesirable and bad?

Oh wait -- that's right!

It didn't.

The laws of that long-ago era still apply. You still have to abide by the basic rules of kindergarten: differences are good and should be cherished. That's what makes us special, unique individuals. So stop building your boxes, and stop putting me inside. I'm going to break out of them; I'm not going to learn your twisted lessons.

I'm never going to be exactly who or how you want me to be, but you should learn to appreciate that. Being me is awesome, just like being you is equally awesome! Don't be so hateful -- embrace it.

Life is too short to forget what you were taught when you were five.