It’s hard to be different in small town America.
You can be a lot of things–outspoken or reserved; single-minded or simple-minded; driven or detached–all of these are acceptable. But to live in a small town and be “different” is to commit the unpardonable sin. In fact, being different is the fastest track to exile–a fate often worse than death in tiny town America.
But behind closed doors in small rented apartments; in between shifts at the local diner; after the kids have been put to bed; in the single car garages; sitting on the back stoops; beside the statues on main street; in the dilapidated auditoriums; in the studios above the hardware stores; on folding chairs behind gas stations; in locations too numerous to count, there are people who are leading extraordinary lives; people who are daring to be different.
Writing short stories; painting with water colors; reading aloud, playing the cello; dancing close in the moonlight; quoting Kerouac; watching movies with subtitles; listening to Dylan; working on screen plays; dreaming; scheming; and doing things that, if uncovered, would make them the laughing stock of the entire community.
And there are literally thousands and thousands and thousands of people who are challenging the small town status-quo–just look around, the signs are everywhere.
And I say God bless each and every one of them.
And for those who are looking to break ranks but are afraid of what others will think, here’s a piece of advice: today is the day. Who gives a goddamn what someone else thinks? Dare to be different. Lead an extraordinary life. Do the things you’ve been dreaming of. And above all things, know that you are not alone.
Window mural, east central NE
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