With me goals are like my friends

The week starts closing out and things are wrapping up, and what was accomplished through the week? If you were setting short timeline reachable goals means quite a few of them were done. And will admit there have been those times when kind of mentally wrap my arms around them and hug my achieved goals. They're my friends.

Actual human beings may be a lot more distant.

While part of me would like to talk as if lonely realize that was rarely the case. Thank God! People need people I firmly believe. And I know some people need people less, but am not one of them.

Goals can seem to make you lonely though even when surrounded by friends, if you feel like the oddball with yours.

But goals are very much about who YOU are, not someone else. They're your goals so you decide, and for me? They're like my friends who make me feel good, which is why reachable goals are best! Because you keep reaching them, which feels good.

And then you can kind of hang out with them. Thinking, like hey, yeah! Got that done, and that done, and oh, hey you! So good to see ya', got that done too!

But it can be trying when you don't have the people around you at some point who support your goals so you can go through those lonelier periods maybe. And find so many quiet times even with your thoughts. And even at times look out upon a spooky world.

It can be a scary world out there, even when not approaching a holiday dedicated to the fun of Fright Night. Where is that supposed to be fun? How do those words sensibly fit together? "fun" "Fright" and "Night"?

How do people come up with such things?

Maybe the reality is how we perceive things can vary so much, beyond the objective truth, which is maybe not as "fun". If you're surrounded by people but not sure how supported do you want to comfort yourself anyway with objective reality? Or realize what it's like if you really are mostly alone?

To me Halloween is that time of the year when I allow my thoughts to go more dark, like plenty of other people so in good company.

I guess that's healthy. So much in life is about perspective, and how you get it? Very important.

Please don't ever let loneliness get you down. Maybe some goals can be your friends. So you can mentally wrap your arms around them and feel cheerful no matter how dark the night.

Has worked for me.


James Harris

Untaught perspectives and Halloween

Not so good with Halloween. Never got to do it as a kid. Just watched others. Why not? My parents.

There are those times of the year where similarity is easier to be found as many celebrate the same holiday. And childhood is that special time when you have to learn. Children need to be taught, a lot. What you learn as a child is what is to carry you forward as an adult.

Societies can vary on the sense of responsibility with that teaching with much put on parents where the responsibility is not total. But how much will society do if parents don't? In the US is a bit of a middle ground where for instance parents send their kids to school for quite some time without a direct fee. And society makes them. American children need to learn and American society works to ensure that happens.

Clearly society will not just let a parent determine a child's future, like by deciding that goofing off and just watching television is more fun than going to school. That's good of society.

And then there is religion. So glad to not name names so won't promote the religion of my parents, but it didn't celebrate holidays! Doesn't celebrate holidays. It is a unique difference for me which makes these issues personally relevant. But of course didn't impact things like earning potential. Still went to school, got an education. Not being taught Halloween has a very specific impact. And so it is this remarkable difference. Which means holiday postings for me have an awkwardness.

It is an interesting thing to think of the consequences of parental decisions on the life of their children. As an adult I can choose to celebrate Halloween and do! But there is an awkwardness that others might not understand even when explained as it's easy to take for granted things that are so natural in your life and the lives of most people you know.

Religious freedom is a political principle that is important to me, and am glad grew up in a country with it. Though do have a unique perspective on the boundaries, when one can question where freedom for a parent, steps over into an unnecessary constraint on the adult to be, who is so dependent on that parent to exist, as that child grows up.

So yes, as an adult I can go ahead and choose to celebrate and do, but there are those things most learn as kids which will just escape me. Same goes for all the other holidays. Oh yeah, and birthdays. Didn't get those either, so awkward with those too.

Rather than try to make some scary political post to fit with the holiday, which should have been easy, and give away my awkwardness decided to explain instead. But is still political! As subject has to do with some of the nuances of religious freedom.

And to what extent can the religious freedom of the adult parent impinge on the life of the adult to be? Maybe it is a scary post to ponder after all.

Happy Halloween!


James Harris

Time to on time is important too

The alarm clock fascinates me. Such a common thing in the lives of so many. But consider the complexity of the relationship! Sure it's a very helpful and useful device for helping you get to where you need to go, on time. But have experienced that dread, when already awake early for some reason staring at those red numbers.

And there is that flashing dot...inexorable. You watch it, flash, flash, flash. And every once in awhile, one of those red numbers will change. And you know you're running out of time. Soon enough? The alarm WILL go off. Oh, unless you just go ahead and cut it off, since you're already awake.

So many need to be at work at a certain time where I don't think the time needed to get there on time should be taken for granted. And it's fascinating to me that work that needs to go into being at your workplace by, for instance, 9 am, or often earlier I'm sure. Actually don't think I ever had a job where that was the start time, was always earlier.

The phrase "working 9 to 5" is something I grew up with but I've never worked that schedule.

In any event if you were supposed to be someplace at a particular time there is that reality of what has to happen for that to always happen, which of course is, you get there before.

And consider what that can take! And it's best when you get credit for it.

For me better were jobs where I was expected to be there within a roughly half hour window.

So, for instance, might get to work ten minutes after. No big deal. Or ten minutes before. Also no big deal. And it took a lot of pressure off. Oddly enough, found I didn't need the snooze button on my alarm.

Lots of times would actually wake up, just before the alarm went off, and just go ahead and cut it off, without the blaring.

Would tend to get up comfortable. Step through a relaxed morning routine. Make the bus, and get to work, usually within the window.

If outside of it, they didn't care about that either within reason. Could call ahead. And would just work a little later to make up for it. Of course that required a job where none of that interfered with the actual work.

In the past I think the idea that you should be at work at a very precise time could be considered just the price you paid. But in our time I think more and more it will be considered an exceptional something for which you should be paid.


James Harris

Risk, reward and testosterone

There are differences between male and female with human beings, of course, where discussions about those can go all over the place. To me one of the more frustrating areas is with regard to differentiable reward. That is, when for instance men make more money than women for the same work.

Of course science is there to just put it out there that testosterone is the hormone that makes the difference in a lot of behavior associated with male. And one of the things it does is push a person to take more risks. See? Not complicated.

Which is a reason Mother Nature tends to have more males than females born, which compensates for the greater number of males that die-off taking those risks.

Which always kind of freaked me out that some kind of force or something does the math to balance that out. Think about it.

Going out to me presents fascinating behaviors when it comes to risk. But also I think it's where at least from what I saw male and female or in between didn't make much difference. Lots of people regardless of gender risking putting it out there in search of a reward, of one kind or other.

But is amazing to me the kinds of situations with which one can be faced without a lot of information about a person who is in front of you, with BIG decisions to make. Yet the world keeps turning, people do it all the time, and I guess it works more often than not.

Though of course if it really doesn't work well that can be very bad.

Which sounds like an arena where it pays to think things out, and I think that is also the way to get things more balanced in other areas. After all, yes, more risk taking can lead to greater rewards, but smart thinking can lower risk!

Which means that a man fueled by testosterone may take off wildly in some wrong direction while more thoughtful people, of any sex, may take a far more appropriate path, which leads to far greater reward.

Some people seem to think that using too much thought with relationships is cold, or takes the passion out. While I think the idea for anyone who considers it of anyone passionately beating the crap out of you in any way shape or form, is really not at all desired, by anyone, yup, who thinks it through!

Here's to thinking it through. Happy Thursday Out Night! If you choose to go out? Please do so carefully, and thoughtfully.


James Harris

World against us American Black folks?

There's an odd thing with being Black in America which to me is being relentlessly taught that the ENTIRE freaking world is against us, except maybe Africa, but sometimes not sure. Like what about those South Africans? And I think it good for me to go ahead and address race on my political Wednesday as let's face it, in this country, if you're Black people expect you to talk race.

Usually I just don't. Why not? Because I don't think about it that much.

So why do I say "Black" versus "African American"? Well I grew up with it. It's shorter, and reality is I think the other is less accurate anyway, as what about someone actually immigrating from Africa today? Technically the term can apply to a variety of races, as a person from the continent of Africa who emigrates here can really be any.

Though reality is my skin color is brown. But hey the "Black" for Americans who feel it is a proper designation is really not as much about skin color as some might wish to believe. I think that's just about convenience. People like to claim something against plenty of evidence it really isn't the most important thing. And there has been recent uproar on the issue as to what it means to be Black which I found enlightening.

Of course American Black people are not the only race or ethnicity who think the entire world is against them. Must of course mention Jews who have plenty of evidence to present as well. And could give other races or ethnicities. It is an unfortunate category where many can provide evidence.

There are aspects, however, to the variation from my country that Black people have an entire world against them coming from a peculiar American point of view, and I find it fascinating when wealthy Black people especially with celebrity will glumly talk about the horrors of racism in their lives...excuse me?

And not claiming that people all over the world who are actually black in skin color are not facing discrimination as well. Discrimination on the basis of skin color is an odd thing that human beings do. But there are so many ways some people pick to decide to discriminate against some human being. Skin color is just one.

In the United States being "Black" is more of an idea as is American racism which is increasingly speculative than a reality while for plenty of poor Black folks it is a crushing burden. I grew up in a lower middle class home. Which is not great. It's just ok. But isn't poor. Though have also experienced poor, like now. And at times I find myself falling into a certain defeatist way of conversing about my life, and realize it was trained.

And you know what? Having an entire world against you can be sort of depressing. Thank God it's not true. I think that would be a quick fight. Um, I know it would be.

Part of me is wary in discussing but it is too important. Even if a Black person wishes to chase defeat to play an expected role in a world supposedly against, society must say, no.

Society must say: you may think we hate you, but we do not. We will help you instead.

Is American racism just a thing of the past? I think not.

Does it in various ways greatly hamper the lives of a disadvantaged population? I think yes.

But can it also be about a mentality that expects failure, and can work to create it?

I fear, yes.

To me whatever continuing American racism exists sounds like a challenge to be overcome, where we can do it in our time with a lot less fear versus in the past when trying hard enough could be a death sentence, with Black people killed by angry mobs.

They faced death. And today some may wish to claim the same is true with regard to police action but to me that's problematic. In the past it wasn't even just fear of death from an angry mob as a successful Black person deemed "too successful" could be burned out of property. THAT physical fear is a huge burden.

Today, the most successful Black people do not appear to have that type of fear, while others struggle in a day to day, which too often involves violent clashes with the police.

Why does it matter? Because clearly then it's not about race.

Must be about something else.

Opportunity is not a terrible thing. And having it is not a horror. Too many Black folks I am certain are still convinced it does not exist, against all evidence, including plenty of Black people who are highly successful, who nonetheless often appear to get away with de facto claiming they are not. As if in a world against them, of course they can't really rest easy, you know? As if they too are crushed under a weight of racial oppression as they zip around in big black luxury cars, and fly in private jets from parties to corporate meetings. Or simply luxuriate in their mansions.

When a world is against you? Maybe you could still shudder at times as you munch thoughtfully on fine caviar, if you're Black in America.

As if there is a world against us and always will be.

Some Black folks actually say that, which does not make it true.


James Harris

Imagining wave world wake up

Many in the world wake up to work like a wave I'm thinking. Can imagine it in my mind, like now millions are up and about already at work on the East Coast. Some also up already on the West Coast but many more later on in the day as the Earth keeps on turning with the Sun moving across, lighting up all our days.

And that wave will continue sweeping around the globe. Though you get to Asia and they're ahead, so there is this split as they are a day ahead, at some arbitrary line some people put in place long ago.

Imagine this wave sweeps around the globe day after day where occasionally there are breaks, like with biggest holidays that have somehow gone international. While there can be other routine gaps in the wave for national holidays.

The communal nature of so much human activity fascinates me, especially here in the US with people so often certain of an independence which yes, is real. But often I like considering those things that are in the other direction where so many people are moving in various ways, together. With behaviors that bind in shared activity.

More than we may tend to realize think there are expectations without which society doesn't function well. Go about your Monday morning watching others and it can be clear how much works best as people behave as expected.

Reasonable expectations can drive so much of our behavior, which gets me to thinking about tipping.

Remember one time where am embarrassed to say, missed the tip, but was taken by surprise by taking a woman out to where she suggested. She knew it was valet as I found out as am pulling up thinking about, um, where do I park? And wouldn't you know! Some guy is at my door, and oh, valet service. That surprised me out of the gate.

And along with everything else on my mind, as did pay for both of us, and restaurant actually wasn't that expensive. Don't worry tipped inside as that was part of my usual experience, but still felt a bit intimidated by the new thing outside--had handed keys to my car to some guy to go drive it off, isn't that kind of odd to anyone?--and when car was brought back utterly had no clue. Was thinking on so many things, but not hey, gratuity! So did not tip.

To that guy years ago, my apologies. Was way out of my comfort zone without a clue.

And tipping reality can be so varied across so many things, I think you definitely need a guide, especially internationally am sure. Where it intrigues me to wonder if I had endorsements--still none--wouldn't now be one of those proper places to talk a product? Have discussed something I see as a need, where ran into a bit of a problem myself, and a decent tipping guide could be really useful.

Oh yeah so pondering this thing which I've never done, which is have product placement, as this blog is supposed to be seriously commercial. Can see how problematic it can be though. Even if readers could assume if a name were mentioned it was paid endorsement? Would they then doubt everything else? Did that really happen forgetting a tip? Or was it made up to try and sell a product? Of course not selling one, so no it was not made up.

And it was a bit of a jump too switching to tipping after talking about a world waking up. Which was natural enough for me. But yeah did want to talk tipping too. But not to sell anything.

Problems to ponder. Really then how do you do such things on the web in the best way? Or is it even possible?

Guess it does go to the trust you would want to build?

If I had the opportunity, which do not so can just talk it out, what kind of decision would it be? Or maybe not even put anything in a post anyway? But that could be convenient, actually mentioning a product name and saying, by the way, here's what I use, if had something.

Will not get an answer now. Just putting it out there as that helps me figure things out.

Happy Monday! Get some things done. Nothing like a set of quick accomplishments early in the week to set the tone.


James Harris

How original is that?

Closing out another week! It's interesting how quickly time can pass which is fascinating in that sense that you got so many days, you know? Such things are great to bring up when continuing to push the notion that it can be great to enjoy yourself. Like on Thursday night when it is chill. Cool people know how to go out on Thursday I say, as I can write things of that nature.

There is no doubt in my mind that people who put things out public like I do often are trying to put ideas out there. And why not, as long as they're good ideas?

My feeling is that if there are any people whatsoever who just hadn't considered going out on Thursday night, but waited for Friday, just because, who now do and enjoy it, then that is a gift to the world.

But one can wonder, what if such powers to put out ideas were turned to less clearly admirable aims? Like I've often wondered, why don't really famous people who have massive followings on social media push silly phrases just to see if they can?

For instance, something like: "singin ain't swingin"

Why? Why not? So like if I had MILLIONS of followers I'd put up something like that every once in a while for people going out that night. And if someone recognized it, they'd say something in reply like: "you got that jack"

And everyone else who wasn't in on it, would get puzzled.

But just in case, other imitators arrived, and tried to go along, the final would be: "but it beats the alternative"

Which would be like some temporary thing, so like the next night, on Friday it wouldn't be cool any more, and people would just say, that's so old! It's so yesterday.

So maybe it's good I'm quietly puttering along without MILLIONS of followers on social media as I would SO try that out to see if people would like to try the fun.


James Harris

Politics, money, what reality?

People can say things that are SO vague, and repeat them until they think something must be true as they've heard it so much. Like what really is the deal with money in politics?

Many times I've heard it touted that money is so important in an election usually from reporters and I start wondering to myself why do I think they actually know anything?

But what is the biggest way money is spent? I feel confident that in the US can go with political ads.

Reality is political ads are made for, and targeted towards lazy people. Picking someone who actually represents you? Priceless.

— James Harris (@jstevh) April 20, 2015

But the appeal of the idea that money is so important is easy to understand.

Some reporter is looking at a difficult political race, and suddenly there is this number! It is how much money one candidate has versus the other! Easy. Reporter reports the advantage is with the one with more money. People think that's what matters, even when it clearly doesn't.

Why? I think it's because it's easy, and very hard for someone to argue with you, as so many people accept it, as they've heard it so much. And let's be honest, who doesn't like easy? Ok, maybe some people don't like easy. Actually am sure there are people who love hard, so they go out and do all these hard things. Which you know is actually an entirely different subject. Maybe there are reporters who like hard. Maybe even some who might wish to dig deeper than just how much money, but they're blocked by others?

How many even keep up with when a wealthier candidate vastly outspends a political opponent and loses anyway?

Well I love those stories, so I know I do.


James Harris

Seasons, change and rain

That shift from the weekend to the week is one transition. For many that need to get to work on Monday gives a chance to watch others, like the seasons. But seasons give that other depending on where you are.

Starker transitions of the four seasons in the US are on the East Coast while there is the roughly two season reality of most of the West.

Like those days I'd find myself buying an umbrella in San Francisco!

Here's a picture from one of my favorite such days though it was in February, the rainy season could kind of wax and wane at times:

After some early morning rain. Photo mine.

Days I would end up with a new umbrella would start the same. Walk out the door, see it was kind of cloudy but didn't really feel like it would rain? Go back and get an umbrella? Or no? Ok, would decide would risk it. And on the bus, where things are fine until your stop and then down it comes.

Rush to a store where they have a special rack out now full of umbrellas. Buy one, go out, walk a bit, and the rain stops.

And I went to Yerba Buena Gardens, and took a photo with my smartphone.

That was such a fun day.


James Harris

Accomplished something I'm sure

Chasing goals can be frustrating if you make them too big! So I prefer to go in manageable steps with what I call short timeline reachable goals. To some extent it's like taking the easy route--lots of little goals stacked on top of each other, easily achieved.

But for instance this post can represent dozens of them.

If I were instead to see the entire post itself as my goal, then I could get swamped with the details, and find myself struggling to meet it. But with lots of little goals building to it, is MUCH easier.

As each of these little goals come together the result is something I have the nerve to present to the world.

There is a value in seeing a reward at the end of the week, or near the end of the week for those who have to work Friday, as it winds down. I say cheer your accomplishments and am certain they are there.

To get to peak I think you need to be celebrating accomplishment a LOT.

Why? Well if it's fun, then why wouldn't everyone do it? Accomplishing things gives me a thrill. With lots of little goals keep getting these little thrills constantly. By the end of week can consider a sizeable set of things! I like it that way.

And I think we're learning as a society to push a view that is leagues away from the old ideas of dragging yourself to something horrible to just do what you have to do--or else.

Anyone who checks the history books on work in the past, especially factory cultures where so many people, including children tragically, worked through 12 plus hour days in often horrible conditions with little regard for their safety can understand why work was considered an onerous task. For many work was a nightmare which shortened their lives or could end life suddenly.

Go back further and before machines, or even now with them, for those workers who do a lot of field work, like in picking fruits and vegetables, and you can also see how work can be considered this burden that must be carried until you can get a well deserved rest.

But, like, I'm typing. And I can type kind of fast, so yeah, my fingers can get kind of tired, you know? Where I can make light of it to some extent, but here the act of typing is necessary, but the real work is elsewhere.

In our times we can actually believe people who find extreme pleasure in their work! Can comprehend those who have to be pushed away from it to take vacations. It can make sense that some are so driven that work is the most dominant force in their lives as one of the great joys of their lives.

And accomplishment just makes it better.

There is a lag I think, as I remember decades ago when I was trying to find my way in the world of work, still getting messages to just do a job even when I hated it, and to just accept things even when had a bad boss, as if that was just the way things were. While today I say those are reasons to RUN, for your own good and to escape a company that may implode at any moment.

Yeah, I'm the writer so I get to write that and yeah I do believe it. The idea that bad business practices actually work is I think yet another fiction that people find interesting.

More and more humanity especially in the most advantaged countries is learning the benefit of work that empowers, inspires, and gives you immense satisfaction, as you get things done.


James Harris

What makes politics work

As valuable as perspective is, unfortunately people can get it on just how connected we all are, and how important it is for most of the time for most people to get along, when things get bad enough that no one will come to collect the garbage.

And I think I've seen that more happening elsewhere than here in the US, which is fine by me! Have a very clear understanding of how important all people are in the vast system that many may take for granted--unless they're holding their noses as they try to do things.

For most though politics is interesting where to me it's most boring: with conflict, arguing around differences, and focus on where people disagree.

That is such a tiny part of the political reality as if people were really so divided, yeah, routinely? You'd be trying to figure out how to do so many things you take for granted.

As human beings we're attracted to the excitement of drama. But it's best when mostly fiction, as when it's very real your life is going to get very uncomfortable, very quickly.

But that's why the nuts and bolts of politics seems behind the scenes to many as it's actually about where people agree. Politicians actually working are finding consensus and just getting things done.

Look into the reality of the people who got things done and it wasn't by being at each other's throats. Conflict tends to disintegrate things. Complex issues can't be figured out with people screaming at each other.

Too much emotion clouds judgement, and battles can build resentment.

For so many communities there can be a smoothness of their reality that people fail to notice. Which is great. How many people accept stability around them on the local level without thinking about how much it takes? How many people quietly just doing their jobs so that things just work?

Unless you have those instances when things DO fall apart, and it becomes very obvious. And even impossible to ignore, like when you're literally holding your nose.

At its best communities where things are going well can have people who can most of the time forget who their politicians are, until pushed upon them with elections. If they pay attention to the elections.

What makes politics work is when people are working together.

Which happens more than most may realize.


James Harris

People flows

Flows of humanity fascinate me, where personally, when I had one, the commute into work was a great one for consideration. Of course it does help when involved in such things to look at the big picture here and there. Otherwise it could seem more like a burden. But I'd become fascinated with glancing looks at people's faces when riding the bus, or walking along the sidewalk as best I could.

Driving into work was an entirely different thing, but it is interesting how much you can notice when traffic slows to a snarl. But then again it was much easier to see as a stream, as on the freeway for instance, we're all going the same way--often way too slowly. But that gives more time to see what people are doing in their cars. Which could be a little bit of everything from eating, to things I think if I describe I fear I validate. Like there are things you ponder about what people will do, or try to do on the way to work in their cars.

However the way, and so many ways, but simply enough, so many people with a similar purpose--get to work.

Turns out there's this cool word for flowing together of two streams: confluence.

Maybe the commute is a confluence of activity with purpose. Along with all those people moving about is the purpose of that motion. Could feel it pulling everyone along? Including me?

Five days a week, twice a day, this chance to get a feeling of being a part of this massive stream of humanity.

My fascination with this confluence of humanity was at least partly with concern about the notion of how different we all are. So much focus on conflicts or disparities, but maybe it's more exciting to think on such, and less to consider when more similar than not.

There is a certain peace there as well, where I saw it more on the bus, or train or walking along the sidewalk. Actually walking the sidewalk is where I think you can feel the flow more than elsewhere. And there is something almost psychic about how well people moved. Those senses of how to do it, so much so that you can quickly tell when coming up on someone who is out of it. Out of flow.

Humanity flows around them on the sidewalk, where that can be something to ponder as well, and sometimes there is a decision point: do you stop? Is help necessary? But rarely was it.

How many find time to appreciate how often people are flowing together in some way?

That thing you have to do to get to that place you have to go, if you're going to make a living. But I often thought it was a beautiful thing. Comforting.

There are those things which are stable in our lives which can feel good to me, when things go awkward, or worse. A point of reference for a return to stability when jarred by life. The daily commute was one of them. Finding comfort in what was there. Not as just some necessary activity, but as a point of connection with so many others.


James Harris

Is there a guy pack mentality for style?

In my experience, when I would run with a guy pack, there was lot more similarity I think in what we were wearing than differences.

Do wonder if in American culture many men work to stand in, versus stand out. And if so male uniformity in clothing is a style statement in and of itself.

Focus on the male perspective is natural for me, because, well, I'm a guy.

And am proud of a country which is increasingly focused on equality so will try to be careful here, but it's not my imagination thinking of cases where women talked about being aghast at wearing the same outfit as another woman, to an event. And I would just note that without really getting why it mattered. To me, such thing seemed like, hey cool, see you have the same high tastes as me! From my perspective? That's validation.

Not that it'd be necessarily a good or bad thing if men in American society tend to be pushed to uniformity in clothing. Though it could explain some things. As a guy when you're running with your crew, eliciting those stares of incredulity at something you're wearing is pressure. It's like, everybody here has on jeans and t-shirts, so why do you think you can wear loafers? Trying to make a statement? Ready to challenge the leader of the pack for dominance?

Ok last I just made that up. Thankfully I never did run with such a crew.

For me so much was long ago and wonder if things are much different now. Haven't really ran with a pack in a while I'll readily admit. So in my experience with the guy pack fashion was discussed less openly. And I think then it was because it would imply fashion differences.

People talking fashion don't sit around marveling at how...or do they? Do they sit around excited at how close each is to wearing very similar clothing to everyone else?

Or do they tend to celebrate differences?

Got things done this week?

I know I did. And there is a thing I think where people can decry a lockstep mentality, as if endless originality were all that worked, when so often getting things done can depend on lots of people pulling together.

Our world works great with lots of styles, not just in clothing but in behavior. So yeah, taking orders requires a certain mentality. But I think at its best, freedom is in the mind.

Of course, how others react to us is in their minds, and it is interesting that careful balance between personal choice, and how really you'll get things done in the real world.

There are places which require uniforms in life, and nothing wrong with same for those who make those choices.

If you go out tonight as you're deciding what to wear it might be interesting to consider two positions.

If you feel a push to be different--concern someone else might be wearing the same thing for instance.

Or feel pulled to uniformity--considering just how off can that basic style of your group can you be?

Call it a social experiment. There is no right answer either, only your reality.


James Harris