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)
tiffany says:
my all time favorite, favorite, favorite song by Arcade Fire is ‘Ready To Start’, part of the lyrics go:
All the kids have always known
That the emperor wears no clothes
But they bow down to him anyway
’cause it’s better then being alone
i LOVE those lyrics.
It is sooo hard to walk your own path in this world, because so often one does end up alone.
But at least the soundtrack rocks. A little music for you as you “rage against the machine” on
this lovely monday. 🙂
kenn says:
Tiffany, this song has just joined my playlist. I love it. Thanks for adding to the “rage.”