What an excellent essay. Presenting a different perspective on what is perceived as the norm in race relations. From the moment you and Abdul met, you pulled me into the narrative, a great hook and very heartfelt writing.
A heartfelt, poignant and quite a personal story, thanks for sharing. Although there are many downsides to some technologies, the ability to stay in touch with friends online is not one of them. The Toast has introduced me to many different narratives, and life experiences, I'm grateful for that as well. I hope you continue to share your stories with us.
Your husband shuddering put a smile on my face, since it is so similar to my view of having to exercise in order to maintain my health. That you are willing to endure this with regularity speaks volumes for your inner spirit. Even through all of the mean spirited behaviors exhibited by the women on the stairs and the token nod to the requirements of the ADA with the inconvenient elevator, you remain hopeful that people will change for the better. I find that kind of hope inspiring, and articles from personal experience like this can educate and encourage discussion. I wish you well on your journey and all the illuminating commentary, should give you even more hope for the future.
That was a very enjoyable read, you paint very vivid pictures with your narrative. I look forward to seeing you in print, please keep us informed. Oh, I just found one of your other essays Highlights from the Apocalypse and boy it was an intimate, touching journey from start to finish. Thanks for sharing, that and this, with all of us, you'll touch many people with your words and that is a gift.
I would never ever walk up to a couple regardless of orientation and tell them that they were a cute couple. It just seems wrong on so many levels or intrusive or rude, I am unsure of what to call it. I like to think of myself as a quiet observer of the human condition and whatever I think about something I see, generally, I keep my thoughts to myself or share them with my wife. I am getting older now, but I would like to think that sometime, in my lifetime, sooner rather than later, these will all be moot points, people will just be people, whoever they are coupled with or not coupled with. Things change slowly, too slowly at times, but I remain hopeful, and this article and many others on here, along with the comments continue to not only educate me but at times raise my spirits.
You weave a tale like no other, regardless of the format. Even for me, as a straight male, you continue to make this fan fiction work for me...not that you need it, but kudos!
A very powerful essay, that describes a chronic illness and its effects in a way that I have not read before. Sad that doctors, nurses, insurance companies et al, can be so clinically unfeeling. I know they must remain professional but surely, there must be some room for a measure of empathy or compassion. If this is a measure of what you can do with non-fiction, I look forward to being amazed with what you will do in the realm of fiction, when you have completed your Masters. Thanks so much for sharing this.
I had never seen this movie but your article inspired me to do so. What a thoroughly enjoyable movie. I can see the undertones you mention, and agree that it could have gone further than it did in exploring the girls relationship without involving the Joe subplot. For its time though and even now, it struck me how it showed us a glimpse into another culture that was at first glance alien and yet in many ways similar to our own. All in all, although light hearted fare, it struck several chords with me. It's a movie, judging from the comments that succeeds on many levels, and so too, does your article.
What a hair raising read, although I was relieved at the ending, the narrative was riveting. That a group of men could take part in such a thing speaks to some kind of group psychopathy which may or may not be inherent in some fraternities. We may all feel the need to belong in a group but surely we can see when a group is utterly devoid of any merit. The maze analogy is excellent but this is a very uncomfortable read as it should well be. Sharing this must have been difficult, but I'm glad you did, it was an eye opener.
An excellent read, a well written commentary on how we change and adapt to life's challenges. Or how we sometimes don't. You touched a cord with many in the comments and even though you had many ups and downs in your narrative, overall I found many hopeful signs pointing to positive change in your future. As you said, it may come slowly but it will come. I don't know if "carbohydrate-logy" is an actual word, but it brought a smile to my face, since I was reading this after supper and know exactly what you mean. You have touched many with this, and that in and of itself is a talent, good luck with your new journey, I look forward to reading more from you in the future.
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