Silent, Invisible Rebellions

There is something kind of wonderful about silent, invisible personal rebellions. I would surmise to say that most of us in the world are law-abiding rule followers. We don't steal, assault or murder. We follow the rules society puts forth; dress suitably, act appropriately and conduct our lives in a generally acceptable manner. Yet our lives are replete with rebellion.

We wage mini wars with the world. When our social conscience dictates that  we follow a certain rule we still find a way to rebel. Our work dress code dictates we must dress business casual in all black, with the exception being white collared shirts or cardigans. So we wear neon colored  underwear. Its these little concessions and rebellions that add flare and color (literally sometimes) to our lives.

Its the "cocky" belt buckle under the buttoned down suit jacket. Its the transplant surgeon who rides a donor bike (ie motorcycle). Its the vegetarian soldier or the atheist theology teacher. Certain aspects of our behavior and appearance will be forever regulated by the jobs we have, the areas were we reside and the society we live in. That's how silent invisible rebellions are waged. I can't wear color to work so I wear neon pink bra and underwear, I declare war on the code in a way that is entirely invisible to others and silently unimposing. The rule maker will never know the color of my underwear, and has no right to. It soothes my need to make a statement, even if I'm the only one to see it.

These silent, invisible rebellions are what make us unique and individual in a world ever moving toward uniformity and controlled expression. They're our own way of saying "I see your rules. I'll follow them, but its by choice, and its under my own conditions." Its our way of saying "I am who I am. No matter what the world says I should be." These harmless personal expressions and silent invisible personal rebellions are truly wonderful.