On my way to work today, I cut through the Student Union because it was one of those days where I wanted to spend the least possible amount of time outside (you know the type... wind in your face, snow down your shirt...). As I passed the Wendy's, I noticed a blonde individual with a mohawk, a mask, and a rainbow striped cape that said: "Marriage = Two Consenting Adults."
Naturally, I wanted to stare--it's not every day you see somebody in a cape--but I resisted the urge. What is that urge, anyway? Human beings can't keep their eyes off anyone who strays from the average, whether it is a particularly attractive individual, or someone whose weight exceeds that which we are used to, or someone whose gender we can’t quite figure out. So I am repressing my urges to stare, to acknowledge that someone is different from what I expect of a human being. And I'm feeling really good about it.
Especially when I notice someone taking such a dramatic stand for a cause they believe in (e.g. Rainbow Cape), I wouldn't want to do anything that makes people uncomfortable, like they are being singled out, and staring--I think--does this. So I'm left wondering what to do.
This feeling is very similar to the feelings I expressed in my entry about acknowledging racial differences. What is the most appropriate way to show support? I suppose I could have approached the individual in the cape and shook their hand, patted them on the back, had a conversation. I could also find a rainbow cape of my own, and parade around the Student Union with them. The choice I made, however, was to smile to myself and keep on walking.
I don't know yet that I'm proud of my choice. The other two choices would have involved risk. I am a firm believer in the right for people to marry whomever they choose (as long as the person they wish to marry wants the same), so maybe it’s my responsibility to work for this right. Yet with all my other responsibilities (writing papers, working on projects, applying for scholarships to pay for my graduate studies, tutoring students at the Writing Center) often it’s very difficult to do much more than smile and continue on my way.
So congratulations to the brave individual who chose to wear the rainbow cape, who chose action instead of inaction. I am not particularly proud of my inaction concerning this issue, yet I don’t see how my smiles can hurt. For now, anyway.
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