I never really understood a three-way light. There was this one really long light, forming a “T” at the corner of Vineland/Bluffside (shoutout Studio City, CA) — I didn’t get it. It always seemed inefficient. I’d sit facing this light for minutes that felt like hours, other vehicles piling up behind me, watching cars zoom by - left to right, right to left. I was patient. I waited my turn. But this light, this “rule,” didn’t make sense.
This light existed at all times of day, taunting me — not helping traffic, I think it caused more. During the churching hour, during the sinning hour. Cars go by - left to right. Right to left.
And then there was this one day…
I decided to run that muthaf*cker. Why? Because it was late at night, I was the ONLY car on the street, and I was feeling dangerous. I also had to pee. I looked both ways, saw no one coming, and did not throw away my shot (thank you, AGAIN, Hamilton - see last post).
Anyways — I remember running this light and feeling so bad about it. Yes, I know plenty of people who don’t bother with traffic lights or stop signs. I often wonder what that privilege must feel like. Now I know. Why?
Because despite everything I’ve learned up until now, it turns out that there are no rules.
At least from where I sit.
And, if there are no rules, I can ABSOLUTELY act accordingly. Can I consider others? Yes, for health and safety (I’m a humanitarian AND rebel, both things can be true). However, if certain folks get to roll on a yellow light or roll through a stop sign — why shouldn’t I? If certain people get to be unapologetic about the decisions they make, the things they say…why not me too? So I ran that light.
Believe, this is not a promotion of vehicular negligence. It’s just my new philosophy based on the information and facts being presented to me — a hypothesis. Call it “scientific,” if you will.
According to some, rules have gone out of fashion. Meanwhile, there are those that have been obsessing over the detail of EVERY rule. Sitting at stoplights. Waiting for “people” to tell them when to go, how to be…maybe not always but often enough.
So no more stupid stoplights. No more stupid ideas and outdated outlooks and co-signing rules that serve only some. Cars zoom by - left to right, right to left. While we wait for what? Yes, the light will change eventually. And right now, I gotta move.
Both things are true: My inner child holds a vigil for hope, while my outer warrior suits up for battle…and she looks fly. No more stupid rules.
Instead of waiting and obeying, I choose to march with my words. I march with my art. I march with my stories.
What outdated rules are you breaking?
Who are you marching with?
What are you marching for?
Why are you marching now?
✊🏾 — Cloie
