When I go to rich areas of Montreal (like Westmount), even if I’m just walking in the street or looking around in a store, I feel out of place. I feel as if everyone must know that I don’t belong there. I feel self-conscious about my clothes and manners. Looking at those huge, gorgeous old houses with ivy all over …
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I frequently use humour to ease discomfort of others regarding my disability and weight. I do not have a problem with people joking about my disabilities. HOWEVER, I am the first to bark when I feel someone is being cruel. The other day, a woman commented on another woman being ‘skinny’. In a crowded room she said ‘Look at her!’ …
Read More »By PHILLIP MILANO Enough already with all the ivory-tower dialogue about critical Jewish women, nose-picking white people and purple-suit-wearing black males. What’s your reaction to all the ivory-tower dialogue about critical Jewish women, nose-picking white people and purple-suit-wearing black males? After eight months of taboo cross-cultural conversation, we thought you’d like to see some reader missives sent to Dare to …
Read More »By PHILLIP MILANO Question, Part 1 I notice sometimes when I’m driving or going for a walk that white people dig in their noses. Why do they do this? Simone, 20, black female, White Plains, N.Y. Question, Part 2 I’ve noticed a few co-workers, particularly of Asian descent, feeling quite comfortable picking their noses in plain sight. Is this common? …
Read More »By PHILLIP MILANO Question Do Down syndrome kids realize they have a disability? Sam, 15, female, St. Charles, Ill. Replies I worked for years with people with Down syndrome. I’m sure they know they’re different. It depends on how high-functioning they are, how much they really “get.” Also, the older they are, the more they realize differences. Ellen, 44, Mesa, …
Read More »By PHILLIP MILANO Question What do people think of teens listening to classic rock? My friends and I like Led Zeppelin, and, for the most part, older adults comment positively. However, we have encountered a few who’ve given us grief for liking “their” music. Emily, 16, Toronto Replies Many of my peers don’t understand why I enjoy the music my …
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