When we were young, 
our schools conditioned us to measure ourselves
by the grades we were given 
for how well we learned what they taught us. 
Now they want us to live our lives 
measured by the grades they give us 
for how well we do what we are told.

There are many people for whom this system is good for, 
but there are just as many for whom it is not. 

Remember back in the day, when we were young, 
the division between the "good" students 
and the ones smoking in the parking lot? 
The students in the parking lot were not bad, or stupid, 
they were just instinctively looking for their own path. 
It was the lessons taught in the hallways, 
playgrounds, and parking lots they found more interesting,..
more important, to the people they wanted to become.

There are other nations, other cultures,
that have nurtured a shared responsibility in the population.
Where people make daily sacrifices 
to improve the lives of everyone.
But it is cultural, deeply historical,
with rules that apply to everyone 
regardless of wealth, station, or status.

Nonetheless, within their culture,
people still find ways
to express their differences
and follow their own path.

Here, we treat people differently based on their conformity,
pressuring the parking lot crew to become "good" students, 
which perfectly serves to deepen the animosity and conflict  
between the two groups.

It is cultural,.. our culture.
Deeply historical.
The way the leaders and aristocracy 
maintain their identity and sense of purpose… 
and their freedom. 

There will always be a yin and yang. 
We are hard wired that way.
It is just not always so obvious to see.