I was able to get a driver's license when I was 18 in the late 90's without a number. I did have a birth certificate though even though I was born at home. When I left I felt I needed to get a number because I had very little education and no support if I were to leave. It was actually quite difficult to get one and I do sometimes wish I didn't! I watched church members go to jail for not paying taxes or having other documentation so I felt I needed to in order to get a job. My younger brothers that had no documentation at all had a harder time doing anything. There was so much effort and fear around hiding from the government that it was a very unhealthy environment. We were also purposely isolated and uneducated to keep us from leaving. It is very interesting to me to meet someone that grew up without a number and was able to "leave" without having to get one. I have met a few people that grew up similar to me but never met someone else that didn't have a number.
I know what you mean about there being a lot of fear among those who don't number their kids. I refuse to live that way. My parents raised us believing we could do whatever we wanted ... so far all my siblings have had great access without getting a number!! I do think it has a lot to do with one's surrounding culture and mindset.
I was able to get a driver's license when I was 18 in the late 90's without a number. I did have a birth certificate though even though I was born at home. When I left I felt I needed to get a number because I had very little education and no support if I were to leave. It was actually quite difficult to get one and I do sometimes wish I didn't! I watched church members go to jail for not paying taxes or having other documentation so I felt I needed to in order to get a job. My younger brothers that had no documentation at all had a harder time doing anything. There was so much effort and fear around hiding from the government that it was a very unhealthy environment. We were also purposely isolated and uneducated to keep us from leaving. It is very interesting to me to meet someone that grew up without a number and was able to "leave" without having to get one. I have met a few people that grew up similar to me but never met someone else that didn't have a number.
I know what you mean about there being a lot of fear among those who don't number their kids. I refuse to live that way. My parents raised us believing we could do whatever we wanted ... so far all my siblings have had great access without getting a number!! I do think it has a lot to do with one's surrounding culture and mindset.
Really thought provoking. Looking forward to reading more. Fantastic picture too: I love that dress.
Thank you! It's one of my dresses I sewed years ago!!