Imagine That, Me Listening To You?

Summary

The author discusses their complex relationship with authority, marked by a preference for holding it, occasional acts of defiance, and respect for legitimate authority figures, while challenging societal norms through personal life choices.

Abstract

The author prefers to wield authority but acknowledges instances of compliance with authoritative figures, particularly those with legal or societal standing such as police officers and parents. However, they react negatively to perceived overreach of authority from individuals like ex-husbands or adult children, viewing commands as a challenge to their autonomy. The author also describes their personal defiance of authority in small acts of rebellion, like jaywalking, and significant life choices, such as marrying a much younger partner and engaging in activities that defy traditional gender roles or age-related expectations. They emphasize their resistance to being told what to do by anyone without legitimate authority and take pride in their ability to challenge societal norms and expectations.

Opinions

The author enjoys having authority and will sometimes perform minor rebellious acts to assert their independence.
They have a history of reacting poorly to authoritative behavior from their ex-husband, preferring requests over commands, and have experienced negative consequences from such interactions.
Respect for authority is contingent on the author's perception of its legitimacy; they respect figures like police officers and teachers but reject authority from partners or adult children.
The author views threats as unacceptable and has suffered personal losses as a result of responding to such threats.
They challenge the status quo by living a non-traditional life, such as being in a relationship with a younger partner and engaging in activities typically not associated with their age or gender.
The author considers their ability to resist others' attempts to control them as a personal strength or "superpower."

A Monday Prompt: What is your relationship with authority? How have you challenged the status quo?

I like to be the one with the authority. That’s my relationship with it. However, I can see how I’ve usually listened to it. I would do little things to flaunt my rebellious nature. Such as walking across the street when it says don’t walk. Whenever I wanted to cross the street, I’d jaywalk, not bothering to use the crosswalk at all. Unless I saw a police officer, then all rebellion would be gone in an instant.

Out and out rebellion, sometimes not so good.

When my ex-husband would get a little authoritative with me, it didn’t end too well. I respond much better when someone asks me to do something, rather than telling me to do something. Threats, those don’t go over well at all. I’ve had my artwork destroyed, my glasses broken, as well as a few bruises and whatnot.

I guess it goes to show I respect authority that actually has authority. Such as officers of the law, police officers, teachers, parents etc. People such as husbands, adult children, and any others who feel they can tell me what to do, don’t have the right to tell me what to do. They can suggest, they can ask, but don’t tell me. Telling me is almost a guaranteed rejection.

It’s a good thing.

I guess I also challenge the status quo by being the person I am. I’m in my fifties and married to a man twenty years my junior. I’m a gamer, I can work on cars, and can do a lot of the building of a house, I can do just about anything I want to do.

Not letting others tell me what I can and cannot do, whether that’s society or people, is another of my superpowers.