In the 1950's, during the McCarthy hearings, I was in the 8th grade. Our world history teacher, Mr. Fernald, was charged with teaching us about the economic and political systems of the world, including the USSR. When he spoke of Karl Marx and Communism, he asked us not to tell our parents, as he was afraid he might lose his job.
I didn't understand but I heard the fear in his voice and I liked him so I didn't tell my parents.
But I went home to the ironing broad set up in the living room. My mother washed all the curtains in the house and then ironed them, needing to 'accomplish something' as she listened to those hearings on the radio. She understood what my teacher felt.
Later I remembered it all again as I listened to the reports of the Pentagon Papers and Watergate as I worked. I understood that censorship is not healthy for children or other living things.
I began writing about architecture as a 'popular-izer' - someone able to translate architecture into standard English, making 3 and 4 dimensional ideas more accessible.
Today I think about design and technology in ways that are not generally discussed in the architectural world. I am not affiliated with a major university or museum. I do not have a PhD, a successful book, or a lot of money. Without the platform offered by the internet I would be invisible.
At least here I have a chance to put forth some ideas. If someone wants to expand upon what I have written, I say, "Please! Go ahead! When you can, let me know what you did, what you found, what others thought."
I want to research whatever seems important, including the underlying reasons for something that others may have overlooked. I do not want anyone deciding what I can see and read and what I can't.
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