The book I'm reading reminded me of a story. After teaching 7 years in "liberal" California, I decided to return to my homestate if I could find a job. The Pomona smog was horrific in the early 70's, my wife had a baby on the way, and I didn't want the baby's first inhale be filled with dirty air.
Anyway, I flew back for an interview with the supt. in my hometown. I was warned about several things: wear a tie, cut my hair, shave my beard, act pious. Of course, I did none of these things. I did lie about going to church. "Yes, I was raised a Methodist--went to St. Mathew's", etc. etc. In my community, there were no such things as atheists. "What do I think of the war in Vietnam?", he asked. I told him I preferred peace, but it was necessary to fight those commies. Another fib.

He evidently liked me (or was desperate), because I was hired. My principal, however, didn't approve of my "unkempt" appearance, and gave me a rough time concerning my disregard for the unwritten rules. We had our go arounds, but I was too good of a teacher to be lost (at least I thought so!).

Hell, I even taught evolution! Verboten! I got in a heap of trouble over that. The very word was not even in my science text book! None of the other science teachers spoke the word because they were "fundamentalists", more or less. It's still that way around here. This blows me away, but that's another story.

Somehow, I managed to survive 25 years teaching in the same district. Thanks to me, men began dressing casually and grew facial hair. I always was a rebel! And I miss teaching--a little.