The Chicago Tribune is not the most liberal paper in the world, but it has its moments. Another reason I love living in Chicago.
From Ask Amy, by Amy Dickinson:
Dear Amy:
My husband and I have lived in our quiet suburban Denver neighborhood for six years.
About two years ago two young gay men moved in across the street. They've taken the ugliest, most run-down property in the neighborhood and remodeled and transformed it into the pride of the street.
When it snows, they shovel out my car and are friendly, yet they mostly keep to themselves.
Last month I went out to retrieve my newspaper and watched them kiss each other goodbye and embrace as they each left for work.
I was appalled that they would do something like that in plain view of everyone.
I was so disturbed that I spoke to my pastor. He encouraged me to draft a letter telling them how much we appreciate their help but asking them to refrain from that behavior in our neighborhood.
I did so and asked a few of our neighbors to sign it.
Since I delivered it, I've not been able to get them to even engage me in conversation.
I offer greetings but they've chosen to ignore me.
They have made it so uncomfortable for the other neighbors and me by not even acknowledging our presence.
How would you suggest we open communications with them and explain to them that we value their contributions to the neighborhood but will not tolerate watching unnatural and disturbing behavior. -
Wondering
I sometimes think things like this are made up. I mean, this is a joke, right? No one is really that stupid.
I guess not:
Dear Wondering:
You're lucky that these gentlemen merely choose to ignore you.
Your neighbors could respond to your hospitality by hosting weekly outdoor "gay pride" barbecues and inviting all of their friends to enjoy life on our quiet suburban street.
I can hold out hope that they will choose to do this, but I'm spiteful in that way. Your neighbors sound much more kind.
In your original petition to these men, you basically stated that while you value them when they are raising the standard on your street and shoveling your driveway, you loathe them for being who they are.
The only way to open communication with your neighbors would be to start by apologizing to them for engaging your other neighbors in your campaign. Because you don't sound likely to apologize, you are just going to have to tolerate being ignored.
The only thing I can add is that the pastor deserves a good kick in the ass. But then, sometimes I'm not very nice.
(Thanks to towleroad for the heads up. Made my day.)
4 comments:
Oh dear, you have to laugh don’t you. What a stupid woman and equally stupid pastor. The chances are she probably won’t understand Amy’s reply either, too thick skinned. I like the suggestion of gay pride barbeques though, they could invite the pastor along:-)
Margaret
Maybe she'd understand this: "You don't like your neighbors? Move. No one's forcing you to live there. And from the sounds of it, you won't be missed. There are people on your block who know what being a good neighbor is about, but you're not one of them."
What an ignorant person this woman, her pastor and the neighbour's who signed the letter is. It makes me ashamed of being straight.
The only person/s going to hell are these people.
Dragonweir
Downunder (Australia)
This story seems to be resonating with people. I really have to wonder at the kind of arrogance displayed by the writer. I can't auotmaticlly presume that there's a double standard at work -- does she refuse to kiss her husband outside the door of their house? -- but if I had any spare cash, I'd certainly put some in the pot on a bet.
Clueless. Terminally clueless.
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