I, too, am fascinated by Piper Palin. The girl has a spunkiness that is a mixture of innocence, wide-eyed interest and confidence. How refreshing that is to see. There are just so many kids, and particularly girls, who are so desperate to fit in and be cool (or something) that they are almost frozen. All their energy and concentration is channeled into monitoring themselves and trying to imagine themselves through the eyes of kids they want to impress. They have absolutely no energy left for other things. Taking an interest in the world outside? Looking at things around them and forgetting themselves for a moment? Not them.
I think that this paralysing need to constantly monitor themselves is something that cripples girls psychologically and makes them less fit to be leaders, for example. Sadly, I think it makes them slightly more stupid, too.
That is why it is such a joy to watch (and listen to) Piper Palin. Will her spunkiness survive her adolescence? I very much hope so.
Here are some pictures of Piper Palin:
Piper Palin photos Ann
I found a really cute radio interview with 7-yr-old Piper.
