Whether a child or an adult, we are often confronted by that which social, legal or moral reasons have us believe should not be done. Rather than having the freedom to express ourselves through thought or deed, we are restricted by social taboo yet there are those who stand against such norms. They are labelled radicals, criminals or misfits, labels that can apply to many who thumb their noses at the socially acceptable but, in order for a society to function, there must be limits in place or a society breaks down into anarchy. The question is, who decides the limits?

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…and a short 100 word story coming to mind when writing the above…

“It’s outlawed!” the words echoed around the room, children cringing at the volume. “None may speak those words. All you’re taught is law, unchanging. Leave!”

A small child, quivering with fear, stood and left the room. He didn’t know his fate. None had previously committed his crime. None had dared. All should have been prepared in the ways of learning.

Parents were ordered into the presence of the tribal elders, their knowledge of their fate unknown. They’d also suffer the punishment of their child.

The family was ejected from the tribe for the child’s crime of curiosity.

He’d asked, “Why?”

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