« "When wilt thou save the people?" | Main | My Life as a Contrarian »
January 29, 2009
Rules, Rules, Rules
Yesterday, I told someone that "I am not a rule-oriented person."
But as I continued to think about it, I realized that it's not all rules I object to. For instance, I always follow medication instructions to the letter. Even with over-the-counter stuff, I read and follow the rules.
And I don't have any problem with safety rules like "no kids around the pool unattended" or "no swimming during a lightning storm." Those rules seem sensible to me; I don't mind following them or demanding that other people follow them in my presence.
I don't even mind "come to a full stop before turning right on red." Although, I notice a good number of people who don't believe in following that particular rule.
It's the unnecessary, unhelpful rules that make me crazy. Like when organizations censor people's speech before they even know what folks are going to say. Or limit the topics of discussion for fear that someone will say something that someone else doesn't like or agree with. I can see where they're coming from—a desire to focus on unity by banishing any hint of disagreement—but I do a lot better in an environment of openness, compassion, and trust. I'm pretty accepting of people who disagree with me. I just wish the reverse were true.
Posted by Selena at January 29, 2009 07:07 PM