One of the most interesting things I've discovered during my unexpected arrival here in the “future” (the year 2013) is that there are quite a number of other Ben Franklins out there.
In an advanced society such as yours, here in these United States, where “identity theft” is such a growing concern, should I be worried? Am I to assume that my identity is being compromised every single day, by well-meaning imitators and actors? Why, the very notion that my image appears on every $100 bill is enough to cause me to don a hood and dark glasses, so that no one would recognize me.
I'm reassured that at least I don't have as many “helpers” and impersonators as another one of your beloved cultural icons, Saint Nicholas. Thankfully, there aren't Benjamin Franklins on every street corner, asking for contributions. True, I was known as a pretty successful fundraiser in my day, but I cringe at the thought of unscrupulous individuals trading on my likeness simply for their own personal gain.
Bens in the schools
Understandably, a number of the Ben Franklins are often engaged in bringing American History alive for school children, by sharing facts and stories about me while outfitted in colonial garb, wig, and bifocals. I quite admire and appreciate their efforts, since their motives appear to be pure, and their reputations untarnished by scandal or impropriety. I would hope that it remains that way, for everyone's sake.
I will say this, however: one of the odd effects of traveling to the future is that you do run the risk of meeting up with an older version of yourself – that is, if you are still young enough to do so. In my particular case, with 300-some years between my time in Philadelphia and my appearance in 21st century America, I very much doubt that this would be a realistic possibility. I could, however, cross paths with one of my numerous descendents.
Now that, my friend, would be a very unusual encounter!
Your humble servant,
B.Franklin
In an advanced society such as yours, here in these United States, where “identity theft” is such a growing concern, should I be worried? Am I to assume that my identity is being compromised every single day, by well-meaning imitators and actors? Why, the very notion that my image appears on every $100 bill is enough to cause me to don a hood and dark glasses, so that no one would recognize me.
I'm reassured that at least I don't have as many “helpers” and impersonators as another one of your beloved cultural icons, Saint Nicholas. Thankfully, there aren't Benjamin Franklins on every street corner, asking for contributions. True, I was known as a pretty successful fundraiser in my day, but I cringe at the thought of unscrupulous individuals trading on my likeness simply for their own personal gain.
Bens in the schools
Understandably, a number of the Ben Franklins are often engaged in bringing American History alive for school children, by sharing facts and stories about me while outfitted in colonial garb, wig, and bifocals. I quite admire and appreciate their efforts, since their motives appear to be pure, and their reputations untarnished by scandal or impropriety. I would hope that it remains that way, for everyone's sake.
I will say this, however: one of the odd effects of traveling to the future is that you do run the risk of meeting up with an older version of yourself – that is, if you are still young enough to do so. In my particular case, with 300-some years between my time in Philadelphia and my appearance in 21st century America, I very much doubt that this would be a realistic possibility. I could, however, cross paths with one of my numerous descendents.
Now that, my friend, would be a very unusual encounter!
Your humble servant,
B.Franklin