Coming From Not Knowing

Coming from Not Knowing 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.