An elementary school near my town recently held a sort of "theme week," where the kids were encouraged to dress as various things throughout the week. The students decided on their subjects themselves, and it was mentioned in both parent and teacher newsletters. One of those days just happened to be "opposite gender and/or senior citizen" day.
Cue the phone call firestorm.
I have a pride problem that, while I wasn't looking, skipped off and mated with my curiosity problem. Together they produced a spawn that has experienced a growth spurt in recent years: "I'd do it better" syndrome.
A.,
I didn't want to type this. It seems almost petty compared with everything you've done for me as an admissions officer. But... it's bothering me, so here goes.
To whom it may concern,
I am writing you today to protest my recent (and not-so-recent) treatment at your hands. In the unlikely event that you are unaware of your spectacular rudeness, I have collected here several statements made to and about me. A * indicates that the remark was shouted.
"What are you- Oh, I'm sorry."
"Hey, didn't you see the sign? That's not your bathroom."
I enjoy essay writing as my school defines it. Nothing gives me quite the same jolt as pulling a thesis out of thin air and constructing a work of bullshit mastery in under an hour's time. Given the right mix of a good book for a subject and the pressure of an extreme time limit my pen will fly.
Suppose, for a moment, that you had the opportunity to save a life. By your actions you could either prevent a needless death or cause one. Many of you would say yes on the spot; others might want more information. For those of you in the latter catagory, here's the situation:
I am not a feminist and am insulted when others tell me I am or must be. That much should be obvious just from the title of this blog. What is not obvious is why.
I am for women's rights in all matters, including the right to an abortion, the right to fair wages, and the right to be placed in heavy combat situations if they so desire. I was raised on these ideas and do not doubt them.
"Jonathan Swift was more religious than any of us could hope to be."
So said an English teacher at my public high school.
