Years ago when I lived in Japan, the old proverb, “The nail that sticks up will be hammered down” made some sense. In a society where 128 million people live in a space the size of Montana, one has to be aware of and abide by societal mores and behaviors because without them– and without people following them– it would be very difficult to get through any given day. The uniformity kept people safe and sane. It also took away their individuality and their light.
I no longer live in Japan where the crush of millions of people made it necessary for me to be behave like everyone else. I am a strong, autonomous woman who needs to be who she is meant to be, not as others wish her to be.
About a year ago, I took this photograph, “There’s always one.” And that one is me.