Not from around here

On the Monroe Evening News message board, someone had posted about adopting a soldier.  My fiance was a US Marine so I figured I could help someone out.  Turns out, I was matched with a woman in Afghanistan.  Coincidence because my students are reading a novel that takes place in Afghanistan, and maybe they’ll want to help me send her things.  Anyway, I immediately went out and bought lots of stuff:

And then sent it out first thing this morning:

If you’re interesting in helping, you can sign up here.  Also, here’s a trick I learned today: go to the post office and get one of the flat rate boxes.  You can ship ANYTHING, for ANY weight, for under $9.  I stayed away from shampoos and stuff because I was worried about it sky rocketing the cost for shipping, but I’ve got two bulk rate boxes now and will load them up next time.  The lady at the post office was beyond helpful and very kind about the whole thing.  My soldier and I have emailed back and forth a few times and I hope she really likes the package. Sounds like it’s very well needed and deserved.

Thanks to whoever linked to that site!

The answer is: no political, religious, ethical or otherwise engaging conversation with citizens of Monroe.

The question is: What should I AVOID doing in order to be “tolerated” in Monroe?

 It feels like everytime I attempt to discuss something with people of this area, I’m found defending or explaining myself or entire groups of people.  It happens in my class, where suddenly I’ve been forced to take on the role of answering all questions Hispanic and on behalf of people of color.  It happens online, where I can’t make a simple post without someone accusing me of being a liberal democrat, a English as-a-second-language learner, or whatever else just because I don’t have the same opinion. 

 Why must mud be slung when we disagree? Why can’t intellectual discourse continue without the slander?

 Why do people take classes or ask questions if they’re not willing to hear other answers?

Don’t get me wrong.  I don’t mind debate, or hearing new ideas.  Those are the things I WANT from this city. I just want to do  those things without being insulted and hearing people talk about me as I walk away or even when I’m talking.  I don’t want to be the token anything. But here I often feel like I’m the token everything.

 I owe you an apology, too, for disabling comments.  I knew this more detailed entry was coming but couldn’t find the words.  I still haven’t, but comments are open here.  I’m ready for the bashing to continue.

They way some people treat me in this town is honestly worse than I’ve ever been treated as an adult.  Maybe I’m better off just driving in, enjoying my house, but doing everything else outside of town in areas where I’m not the token….whatever I am.