You could just put it all on out there—who you are, what you like, your greatest fears and dreams. It’s so easy to cover over bits of ourselves in hopes that people will like us, but how can people like us if they don’t know who we are?
What would you write on your hands to tell the world who you are?
How many of us share our class backgrounds with friends and people we know in our community groups and congregations? If we did, we may wonder, will people still like us? I was given a pendant by another member of the UU Class Conversations steering committee that says “My class story matters.” I keep hoping someone will notice and we can share our class stories as a way to get to know each other better. I know my class background is part of who I am. Let’s share our stories.
Sounds like a good idea to me. We need more e-conversations at this site. Glad to know of your thought and concerns. I too have them.
another short reply: just went to your UU Classism site and copied the brochure. Perhaps in Missouri we can do something with the idea. Thanks.
Rather than modifying my body, I’d rather hold a piece of paper or wear a t-shirt with my message about knowing about class “rankings”; this is not essentially the way to look at class, I know. One great thing I learned from my dad was to look at and act with any people in the workplace, for instance, as people equal of his respect. I believe that we in the US of A really do carry out a more or less classless society. In my geographical region, it has surprised me that many of my acquaintances and friends are from country backgrounds; they lived on farms without “modern conveniences” when growing up. I was a “city girl” and have now grown to realize that people have had different backgrounds but at some point, when we know each other, we have a lot in common.
#1. I have Asperger’s, so I can come across as “off” or “rough around the edges” or sometimes callous (and I really feel bad about coming across as a jerk, once someone points it out to me). But I’ve got a good heart and it’s worth putting up with the awkwardness to get to it.
#2. I will make you laugh.
#3. I don’t want to have to hide the “dark” parts of my existence. I want to be honest, whether things are good or bad. I’m already open about having bipolar but I’d rather be able to speak more specifically about what’s going on.
#4. I’m bisexual. I am happy to be bisexual; it has given me a broader appreciation of the beauty of humankind. I wind up not mentioning it a lot because I’m married to a man (and haven’t bothered to correct assumptions that I’m straight) and because some of my family (who are good people, just culturally conservative) probably would not know how to handle that information well. It’s on my facebook profile, so it’s easy to find, but I don’t say much else about it. I’ve known for 20 years, I flirted with the girls in high school, it’s sort of known but not spoken of.
Maggie, I think it’s a good thing that you are willing to write your personal information. My humble opinion is that’s valuable that you acknowledge the ways you live your life. Consider yourself as a worthwhile member of the human race and be sure to keep on making people laugh! That’s a quality I treasure in friends who can do that for me.
Thanks!