Comments on: Food for thought…

By: Brittney

Brittney — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 16:18:07 +0000

I agree. I grew up in what could quite frankly be called THE GHETTO (North Long Beach). So I would like to say that I’ve got some pretty adept skills when it comes to recognizing the difference between poor/unkempt and dangerous.

So it really is sad for me when I moved to a more snobby area here and found that people associate anything not freshly showered or driving a shiny car as dangerous.

I think it’s that barrier we’re taught, to avoid and ignore and otherwise fear or look down upon those less fortunate, that prevents so many people from reaching out and acknowledging another human being. It causes that “look away” when we pass a handicapped person, the awkward stiffness when we’re standing by a displaced person, etc.

So I’m with you. You’re not a moron. You can get a vibe from a person and distinguish between dangerous and a little off their rocker and there IS a difference. So kudos!

By: leahchristine

leahchristine — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 22:19:01 +0000

Don’t let others’ fear rub off on you! I didn’t get to read the homeless man post, but from what I can tell, kudos to you for following your instincts.

Also, that’s why I don’t have my email on my blog. If people want to say anything mean about a post, they have to do it in public where everyone can read it.

By: melissa

melissa — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 16:07:19 +0000

“Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood.” ~Marie Curie

Some people fear so much they don’t live their lives to the fullest. I commend you for living! I always tell my daughter in college to be careful, but to go out and embrace life. You are doing this. Never let anyone shame you. Put your blog post back up and be proud of who you are.

By: Sarah Faherty

Sarah Faherty — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 13:27:15 +0000

I’m trying desperately to remember what my comment said. I really hope it didn’t upset you. I’d hate to think you felt in any way criticised by your readers. I guess my concern about safety does say more about me than you. You’re right, we shouldn’t assume anyone breaking the norms of society is automatically dangerous. Once again, you’ve got me thinking about myself. If helping me to do that has caused you any distress, I really am sorry.

By: Ashley

Ashley — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 06:18:19 +0000

I didn’t read the original post, but I loved this post. Even more, I loved all of the comments on here. I was expecting people to be defensive or lecture or whatever, but instead it was people agreeing, You’re right! We shouldn’t be afraid of other people!, or admitting their own fear or sadness at being afraid. This was a great post.

By: steph anne

steph anne — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 05:55:41 +0000

I’m exactly the same way! My parents always preached me about not talking to strangers or being lured to do something they ask me to. I think I watched too many Lifetime shows because I judge white vans with no windows. Sometimes I wonder if I’ve passed by someone who was dangerous. It’s scary but I think it’s great we’re like this because we’re conscious of our surroundings.

By: Jessica

Jessica — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 03:34:37 +0000

It’s really tough when you put those posts out there and then the response you get is automatically negative like that. That’s so deflating. I’m glad you put this post up clarifying things. Living in a city where is are so many homeless, it’s tough to not be skeptical but not give them a dose of kindness either.

By: Hannah Katy

Hannah Katy — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 02:59:29 +0000

I did not read this post but I admire the way you have stood up for your story. I agree with you, I think we should give people the benefit of the doubt and not immediately think the worst because of circumstances. I wish we lived in a world that was a little less judgmental but touche girl!

Best,

Hannah Kty

By: Karen

Karen — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 22:38:36 +0000

I didn’t get to read that post but I wish I had. (I myself am a freak magnet–I’m not saying this guy was a freak since I didn’t meet him. It’s just that Weirdos seem to gravitate towards me like moths to a flame, but those are different stories for another time).

Anykittles…as I was saying, I, like you get tired of always having to assume that people are no good. I’m tired of the conditioning (by the media, by friends, by family) that strangers are bad and are out to get us. I have to ignore them and remind myself that for every one person out there who is “bad”, there are 5, 10, or even 20 people who aren’t. I’d probably go crazy and become a hermit if I didn’t.

By: Stephany

Stephany — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:53:53 +0000

I can’t remember if I commented on your post yesterday or not but it’s really hard when you write something and people don’t GET IT. I thought it was a light-hearted, fun post about something that happened to you. I thought your reaction was hilarious and something I totally would’ve done.

And I know you are pretty good at taking care of yourself and if you thought you were in any serious danger, you would’ve yelled or done something to draw attention. This follow-up post is absolutely perfect.