Reflexive contrarianism? Little difference from that which it so strongly disdains. But considered contrarianism where one carefully inspects a belief he’s inherited, carefully considers an alternative, and decides an alternative is preferable? An act worthy of celebration, even if the celebrator doesn’t share the alternative view.

Of course, celebration rarely occurs, since insiders often turn defensive in the face of well-reasoned outsiders. So, I’m not surprised that both you and Jill face uncomfortable encounters from people far too certain about something they’ve surely considered less extensively.

But this cost is worth bearing, for the habit-of-mind that makes the bearing necessary is a habit that helps one better know himself and the world.

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Skating is my favorite outsider culture. “Reading” these magazines counts as a rare form of relaxation for me. I think you may also enjoy the flipping of pages, the imagining of yourself copping the styles (see the Sammy Montano advert), and the gaining bits of wisdom from dudes living far differently from the educated elite. Also, laughing. Like when a skater you like lists his “Songs for a Broken Heart.”

Hope your heart is the opposite of broken.