December 20, 2000    
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Have you ever wanted to drop out of society?

Frequently, but only briefly, as this would be just about impossible for me to do. Wouldn't know what to do with myself or how to get by.

Firelady, 23
Dallas
, TX   USA

Only when I was in high school -- usually right before exam time.

Kim, 30
New York
, NY    USA

Sometimes I feel like just running off into the mountains of Canada and living in a cabin. Then the crack im smoking wears off, and I go, "Ummmm.. no."

Talia, 23
Wilton
, CT   USA

I've come close a couple of times in the past few years. First, when the mayor of Washington DC (which I'm sort of a part of) was convicted of taking drugs, went to jail, and BEING RE-ELECTED once he was free.   Second, with this long, drawn-out trial of O.J. Simpson when we let someone off when MOST people I've talked to think the man is guilty. Third, when the  President of the United States admitted that a woman was busy giving him a blow job while he was on the phone conducting official business. Fourth, when  the same gentleman LIED TO THE GRAND JURY and got away with it, and most recently, this embarassing election. What is America coming to?

Reba, 51
Rockville
, MD   USA

Lots of times. It can twist you around and make you someone you're not, and by the time you realize that you're a product of society it's kind of hard to go back.

Jeremy, 13
Highlands Ranch
, CO  USA

Yes. Many, many times. I sometimes lose faith in the human race and it gets me really depressed.

Shanna, 15
Cardiff  ENGLAND

I feel this way frequently and often feel like an ill fit to our strange society. However, I have discovered that there are other questioning souls that are the artists, the poets, the scientists, musicians, critical thinkers etc... and it is their companionship that I seek. Along the way I have found a few of these people who add strength and character and happiness to the life I live. I have to believe that they are the ones that slowly change society and thrive below a superficial surface. The people and situations that disturb me also remind me who I am. I can see and contemplate the dark side of  things, but am not afraid to plow through with the notion that what is important is so much deeper. I stay curious.

Tina, 31
Medford
, MA   USA

I have wanted to and I have actually done it.

Melodi, 19
Hlliard
, OH   USA

Just about every day of my life.

Karen, 21
Marshelltown/Ames
, IA  USA

All of the time. Sometimes it's to hike the Appalachian Trail, others its to live in the Adirondack mountains near a lake and still at other times I want to join a contemplative community of monks & nuns. Pretty much I figure these are just longings prompted by some urge to escape whatever my daily grind is.

Felicia, 34
Lowell
, MA   USA

At one point I wanted to drop out of existance altogether, but I got over that.

Dianne, 16
Oshawa, Ontario  CANADA

Every once in a while I say "Stop the world -- I want to get off," but it doesn't usually last more than fifteen minutes.

Jane, 60
West Linn
, OR   USA

I thought I did three years ago but apparently the paperwork fell through.

Amy, 24
New Orleans
, LA  USA

Yeah when the skinny girl body image was the thing. I know it still is but it's not as bad as it was.

Savannah

Who hasn't?

That's what society was created for--so you'd appreciate yourself more. That's what God had in mind. Only by comparing yourself to the "masses" do you get to know yourself as unique. The sometimes hard part is blending into that society. I say why bother. I answer--because I want to. Sometimes. Not others.

Just flow with your thoughts and feelings--and trust yourself. Once you can claim that one--you're there baby.

Charlie, 21
PA  USA

A long time ago, when I was younger, a rather large group of people (from all over Ontario) would organize a weekend event of competition.  We would organize a small group, take on a name for our team, in our area (which was convenient for practice sessions) and we would enter our group. There was a team captain, and assistance captain, that took care of all details, such as where the event would be held for that year (it changed every year, because there was a lot of illegal fun in the events) It was very organized. Each team had a job to take care of at the event for the weekend, such as drinks at the Saturday night dance (which began around midnight), clean up for Saturday, clean up for Sunday, BBQ for Friday night, and Saturday night etc. No one was aloud to fight, no one was aloud to drive. It was so excellent. After the weekend, you felt so refreshed, like you were now ready for round two, in the event of life. I always said, that if you wanted to drop off the face of world, this was the event to attend. It was called the Freak Olympics.

Fish, 40
Port Dover  CANADA

No.

Fisch, 45
Preston
, CT   USA

It took me a while to get into society. But yeah, once I got there I wasn't too impressed. Guess that's what hiking's for.

Alias Irrelevante

I would never want to drop out of society. I love people. They are all different and funny. I often watch people in the malls and restaurants to see how they talk to others and move by themself. I find them intersting and don't think I could without others for a lifestyle.

Stephanie, 25
TX   USA

"I have asked to be Where no storms come, Where the green swell is in the havens dumb And out of the swing of the sea."   -- G.M. Hopkins

Jill, 60
Saylorsburg
, PA  USA

Every day. If it weren't for my son I'd be a pink haired punk living in a squat somewhere.

Maggie, 20
Sandwich
, IL   USA

Yes. I've thought about it many times. Sometimes, I think about what it would be like if I lived in the woods and lived like a squirrel or something. No material possessions, no money, no deadlines, no guilt. I think it would bring me closer to God.

Lisa J., 22
TN  USA

Only when in the depths of grief. And then I wanted to drop off the earth, never mind society.

Laura, 35
Lowell
, MA   USA

No, I hate being by myself!

Sarah S., 17
Ithaca
, NY   USA

I still want to drop out of society.

A-Dog, 18
McMinnville
, OR  USA

every damn day.

Angela, 16
Aiken
, SC   USA

Yesterday / Tomorrow