Just for Laughs

I grew up in a (relatively) small town in which it most of the populace embraced ideas that I found repugnant by the time I was 13. Racism, homophobia, mindless conformity was rampant. I did not conform. Well, I looked like I was conforming, but when challenged I wasn't afraid to say whatever was on my mind. Unfortunately for me, I had plenty of people who wanted to offer well-meaning but terribly misguided advice about the impression I created. Generally speaking, I did not endure their advice without dispensing a little advice of my own.

I never got over it. I knew that, no matter what it took, I was going to get my ass out of that town just as soon as I possibly could. By the time I was in high school, I had perfected the under the radar, stealth mode. I made excellent grades and found a few like minded friends. Then I left.

The high school I attended has, of course, had several reunions by now. I respectfully declined to attend. I note that "Classmates.com" has a big old list of people I went to high school with. Unfortunately, in order to see the list (because I might want to contact one or two of the people I knew then), you must provide information. They require name, years attended, etc.

To this day, I don't want people thinking I give a shit about any of that. I know exactly how really stupid that is, but I don't care. In order to see the information, the name I provided was "Jim Jones." It's created quite a stir. Someone else used Homer Simpson. Some things never change. I remain pointlessly subversive. And it still makes me smile