the privet public place

Really… To think that a place deemed ’public’ can restrict the admit-age or make one group feel unwelcome seems so preposterous to one who is an avid attendee of the public places spoke of in the text. But if I think back to when I was that “creepy little goth kid” I see that there were many things that I never seemed to notice aimed to drive me away. When I went to the mall I was more than likely followed by a mall cop or watched very carefully by store cashiers or workers; all thinking that I would cause trouble or steal something. Those who know me knew that that wasn’t in my nature. I was a very good, well behaved, girl. I had morals and very high standards for myself. I would not sink to stealing if I didn’t have the money for something. As I got al little older and more rebellious I did shoplift every once in a while but it was never anything more than makeup, and cheap makeup at that. Just because I looked like I fit the stereo type of a group that might do scandalous things did not mean that I would! Also speaking of parks… My city park had the GREATEST playground equipment. One problem… There was a big sign posted everywhere that stated, “No one over the age of 14 admitted on the playground.” What happened to the ’public’ place there? Are all teenagers going to hurt little kids or something? What is really going to happen. Needless to say those signs were gone in less than a year either by vandalism or city removal. I got what I wanted and got to go on the slide and swings once again!