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Not all Authority Figures are Leaders
Question Authority.
I remember when I was maybe ten years old and we were packing up for a family vacation. My parents told me to put my packed suitcase in the playroom. I remember thinking that was strange, as we’d never piled them up there before. But I didn’t question it.
We piled in the car the next morning and started the roadtrip. We arrived at our cabin and began unloading.
You guessed it, my bag wasn’t there.
Thankfully, I’m one of four sisters, and it was easy to share clothes for a few days. But it was one of the first times I learned it’s okay to question authority and it’s okay to ask questions generally.
“Authorities” are Human
Authority figures are human. Sure, they are typically in a position of authority due to experience, expertise, and, generally, confidence. However, they are also human. And humans, by their nature, make mistakes.
We are raised to follow the rules. We are taught to listen to our parents and do our chores without complaint. We are also taught to listen to our teachers. Ask before you leave for the bathroom, don’t speak without raising your hand, and stand in line quietly before being dismissed.