May I venti mocha non-fat latte my frustrations for a minute? Thanks.
So having put my foot in my mouth on MORE than one occasion, and then having dealt with the repercussions, my skin's a smidgen thicker since joining the Tulsa World.
But after 10 years (happy anniversary to me, by the way), it still unsettles me when folks call or email talking about "homos" (as was the case this morning) and how they're going to hell, blah, blah, blah. Considering that I am gay (and what an oxymoron I've ALWAYS thought that was), sure, it kinda stung a bit. But whatever, sticks and stones and all that jazz. Life's still a cabaret! Just don't ask me to dance.
Anyway, people are always, ALWAYS welcome to voice their opinions about things, as they have been all day. In fact, right before I started typing this sentence, a gentleman called -- calmly, bless his heart -- to say how shameful it was to run today's story on makeup tips from drag queens. He went on to compare "these men" to murderers and, my favorite, "illegal aliens." I just let him talk for a minute, then said, "Well, thanks for calling, sir" in my most pleasant, lower-ranged voice.
Wasn't as patient, however, with the gent who called this morning, going on and on about "homos" and how they choose their lifestyle. Seriously, who in their right or left mind would WANT to be gay? You either are or you're not, in my totally uneducated but somewhat life-experienced opinion. And, of course, there was talk about "queers" going to hell, homo this, homo that ... Enough already.
Again, let me reiterate that calls are welcome. And I'll sit there and listen to you for a little bit, even if you're the biggest bigot this side of Archie Bunker. But the quick expletive-filled hang-up calls and six-letter F bomb comments are unneccessary. And rarely clever.
Which is why I sincerely thank the following gentleman for not peppering his email with four-letter-ish stuff:
"How unfortunate that the only thing you can find news worthy or entertaining is a full page story on 'Drag Queens!' Do you really think this is worth reporting on and that there is an audience interested in this bizarre behavior? To me this once again demonstrates a descent to low level journalism! But I guess simple minded, sensational tabloid journalism feeds the perverse side of human nature! The Tulsa World once again disappoints in grand fashion!" To which I replied, "Thanks for writing, and have a wonderful day!" And I honestly hope he does.
But I bet he won't read next Tuesday's style story on transgender wedding dresses, huh? Kidding -- the focus is on bridesmaids.
Peace, love and ... Well, let's concentrate on those two today, kids ... xoxo
