"In a way, we're all Bohemians now. We can conduct relationships with people from any social class without fear of ostracism, while deploring oppressive, stratified societies.
"Our choice of friendships and love affairs is our own. The idea of chaperonage makes us laugh; women are independent. We recognise that children have potential which must not be squashed.
"We take it for granted that society is fluid, that informality will prevail. We do not expect to behave like marionettes at any social gathering. We are hatless, relaxed and on first name terms with people we barely know.
Merriam-Webster defines bohemian as "a person (as a writer or an artist) living an unconventional life usually in a colony with others."
Christopher
Portland, OR
November 2002
JUN 02, 2004 10:51 PM