Walking Censorship

Steve Niles never cared much for social norms. He cursed out teachers in kindergarten, he fought and bit and made crude gestures. For this he had made a few friends and many enemies, but he was still free to do mostly as he pleased. When he had one of the most offensive swear words tattooed to his forehead and had his cheeks adorned with images of two women doing things they ought not do in public, the Decency Police were forced to step in. The judge found himself in a tricky situation. They could not force him to remove the tattoos, for he had freedom of expression. However, this only granted him the freedom to say and do as he pleased. Others were not obligated to hear or see him. The judge ordered a booth of mobile, soundproof two way mirrors would be Steve's sentence. When he went into public, he had to step inside his wheeled cell in which he could see others, but none could see him, in which he could hear others. Many thought he would rebel, and thus they could put him away in prison proper. However, Steve loved his new box, for finally he could say and do as he pleased. He could shout obscenities at the top of his lungs, tell everyone exactly what the thought of them with no repercussions. He could dress as he pleased or not dress at all. He could make rude gestures and perform obscene actions and no one would harass him. His censor booth was the best thing that ever happened to him.

- Originally mailed to T. Danley of New Orleans, Louisiana