Wrongs of Passage

Cook makes an excellent point--"We, as Americans, need to look at the rites of passage we celebrate and determine what it is that we are truly valuing, and what we are teaching our children to value." While there are several important rites of passage--graduating college, religious ceremonies, first dates--there are also some very shallow, very selfish, meaningless ones as well, such as some people's Sweet 16's.

So, all in all, it depends. America would do well to remember the good things in life.

When I was in fourth or fifth grade, I was a queen at spinning rumors and garnering gossip. It was fun, a game. I always loved stories, so when I could make one up that made people listen, all the better.

However, I had noticed some were hurt, but saw no reason to stop.

One day, I went to the bathroom, and opened the door to "I don't really like Stefanie, do you?"

I looked up, locking stares with my two best friends. The mirrors reflexed their expressions--shock, fear--and I turned away before they could react.

When I got back to class, I sat down quietly, eyes itchy, mind wild. My chest hurt; my hands palsied. Pale, I thought, Is this how I've been making people feel?

That passage took me down a road where I arrived at a decission to never rumor or gossip or talk bad about anyone ever again. So far, so good.