Jerry Crownover – Self-identifying

What’s On Your Mind, Ozarks? just athought

Self-identity has, seemingly, become a big deal in recent years. I hadn’t given it much thought throughout my lifetime, having identified myself as a husband, father and farmer for the past 40 years or so. But, I do know that other people identify me with other words that I don’t usually and consciously associate with myself.

It’s not uncommon to run into former students I taught at both the high school and college level and they certainly look upon me as a teacher. People that I’ve never met before often come up to me at meetings, fairs, or even in restaurants and ask, “Aren’t you that writer from the magazines?” I’m always taken a little aback, because I certainly don’t feel like I’m a writer, and my old grammar teachers surely turn over in their graves when that question is asked. I was even introduced, recently, at a meeting where I had been invited to speak, as a humorist. I’m not even sure I know what that means, but it really made me think about how different people, in different situations, identify me in ways I would never have guessed.

Just the other morning, at the convenience store where all of us locals gather for coffee and gossip, I observed a stranger jump out of his car and hurriedly walk towards the entrance. I thought I could tell from his rapid gait, his intentions, and, sure enough, he quickly raced to the back of the store, where the restrooms are located. Just as quickly, he trotted back to the cashier and asked, “Is there someone in the men’s room or could it have been locked when the door closed?”

The cashier politely told him that she had just seen someone go in a minute ago. As the gentleman squirmed, and the color drained from his face, I suggested, “I don’t think the ladies’ room is occupied, so if you want to identify as a woman for a few minutes, none of us will tell.” Life Is Simple By Jerry Crownover

— Continued on Page 6 Life is Simple By Jerry Crownover

Jerry Crownover is a farmer and former professor of Agriculture Education at Missouri State University. He is a native of Baxter County, Arkansas, and an author and professional speaker. To contact Jerry, go to ozarksfn.com and click on ‘Contact Us.’

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Contributors Larry Burchfiled, Veronica Hicks, Klaire Howerton, Dr. Tim O’Neill, Kathy Parker and Terry Ropp

About the Cover Danny Thomas wears many hats, but his cowboy hat is the hat most often worn. See more on page 13.

Photo by Terry Ropp

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor accepts story suggestions from readers. Story information appears as gathered from interviewees. Ozarks Farm & Neighbor assumes no responsibility for the credibility of statements made by interviewees. © Copyright Ozarks Farm & Neighbor, Inc., 2020. All rights reserved. Printed in USA.

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