4 Comments
User's avatar
Ava's avatar

Ahhh!! How I find social norms ever so fascinating and frustrating. I loved your distinction, about halfway through your essay I believe, between a healthy cultural standard and a shallow or empty standard contrived out of fear and attempt at control. I love to play along the trails of where such widely accepted behaviors and concepts come from. Thank you for providing such intriguing context and information in your wonderfully-paced story of mystery.

Rachel Becker's avatar

it is fascinating!! why we do the things we do... and what other possibilities there are.. thanks for coming along on the journey <3 :)

Paul Krenzelok's avatar

Who knew that as I kid I had a love affair with Wood Sorrel--I was constantly sucking on it in our unfertilized backyard. It calls to mind that my natural state has always been to forage - as a kid, constantly seeking new wild berry patches in northern WI with my parents. These days I live in the Twin Cities, and nothing gives me more joy than finding wild berries and plums throughout the urban landscape. Thank you for this amazing essay, Rachel B!

Rachel Becker's avatar

sorrel is so tasty!! and finding wild berries in the city is the best. thank you for reading, Paul! :)