I love the old romantic tales of conquering heroes and how they emerged from their trials and tribulations more heroic than ever. There is just something about the shining youth who vanquishes all foes and stands in the sunset, a better and stronger man that is appealing. It's all wrapped up in the notion that purity wins out over evil every time.
Unfortunately that is when real things become complicated. Everyone's notion of purity is not the same and there are some pretty judgmental people out there. Today's hero better be straight out of the pages of Little Men or there are legions of people ready to rip him to shreds and throw him to the lions, to the glee of far too many. Our super fast Internet and instant texting, along with the ability to look up almost anything with enough perseverance doesn't leave much room for any youthful silliness, or exploring. And woe to anyone who doesn't fit the norm, whatever that may be in any given moment.
When the first Phoenix burst into flames and rose from the ashes, renewed and reborn, he never realized that a day would come when that would no longer be possible. Today we are bowed down with all our history on our backs forever more. If a Phoenix actually did rise from the ashes, someone might check his DNA and discover he was the same one who once landed in Hogwart's back garden and inadvertently maimed a mandrake. There is no quarter given and very little room for forgiveness.
While I believe we should be held accountable for our actions, there must be privacy and reason in the world. Not everything is everybody's business and not everything is an earth shattering event that should be atoned for.
If all the skeletons in all the closets in all the world started rattling, a lot of people would have to back track.
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