Warning Signs
June
We got an earful from our parents when we were kids. We were taught the ropes – the “dos” and the “don’ts”. Mostly the “don’ts.” Whatever we thought of these directives – viz “Don’t talk while you’re chewing,” “Don’t play with your food,” “Don’t be fresh,” “Don’t talk to strangers,” “Don’t hit your sister,” etc., we made some effort to comply – at least when we were in their presence.
So you see why we couldn’t wait to grow up. We’d be liberated, would no longer be told what to do and how to behave. But, alas, just look around. Prohibitions and restrictions are everywhere. Just consider this sampling of the warning signs we encounter every day.
KEEP OFF
DO NOT ENTER
NO PARKING
DO NOT BLOCK DRIVEWAY
KEEP OFF THE GRASS
NO OUTSIDE FOOD
TURN CELLPHONES OFF
NO LOITERING
CURB YOUR DOG
DO NOT FEED THE ANIMALS
NO SOLICITING
DO NOT DISTURB
NO SMOKING
DO NOT BLOCK DRIVEWAY
DO NOT LITTER
NO IDLING
NO POSTING
DO NOT REMOVE TAG
STOP
NO EXIT
NO PASSING
NO FISHING