Coming From Not Knowing

<p><strong><em>Coming from Not Knowing</em></strong> explores the author's journey of self-discovery against the backdrop of racial identity and societal expectations. Born in the deep South Frederick Rule reflects on his experiences of invisibility and low self-worth as a Black man. Through his time as the Phantom in Phantom of the Opera he finds liberation in anonymity allowing him to connect with people on a deeper level. The narrative reveals his struggles with internalized oppression and societal scripts that dictated his worth. Frederick also shares transformative moments including a life-changing encounter with a therapist that inspired him to pursue a career in therapy. His story emphasizes the importance of vulnerability truth and the power of human connection. Ultimately it is a testament to resilience and the quest for understanding one's identity in a complex world.</p>