I think this (subject of this thread) is a result of the USA's increasingly diverse population. Decades ago, the wider community matched one's family unit. The red haired Irish kid was the odd one out. Today it's the Somali kid who doesn't fit any of the old labels.
Years ago, kids likely got used to sharing a shower with siblings, cousins, and so on. The comfort with this would easily translate to school where all the kids looked like one's relatives. Not so any more.
Somewhere I read an article about a study that found that in diverse/integrated communities "everyone" hides behind their home's closed doors.
...
Near here there's a skinny dipping spot in a river. It was popularized many decades ago by (presumably) kids from the nearby Baptist community / summer camp. Yes, the very conservative Baptist community! The one where I'm a bit on edge when I cycle through wearing cycling clothes!




Reply With Quote