The Emperor’s New Clothes

The rules are not the same for everyone. This has become increasingly real for me over the past few years. Sometimes, I feel like I’m in a weird Bizarro world where up is down and right is wrong. But I dare not mention this unsettled nature to those around me, for I will be singled out as an agitator or a troublemaker. Or maybe just stupid.

“The Emperor’s New Clothes” is a short story I recall from my childhood. It was written by Hans Christian Andersen. These two weavers promise an Emperor a new suit of clothes that will be invisible to any of his subjects who are stupid, incompetent or unfit for their positions. When the Emperor parades before his subjects in his new clothes, everyone comments on how lovely his new clothes are, for fear that they don’t wish to be singled out as unworthy. But amongst the deceiving crowd, an innocent child is confused why so many people are complimentary of clothes that the Emperor clearly is not wearing, so he cries out, “But he isn’t wearing anything at all!”

Lately, I’ve been feeling like that kid. (sigh)