at first I thought you were just using me" she said "I definitely am." I just wasn't sure for what. "Asshole!" she said, and punched me in the side. And she laughed as my kidney began to hemorrhage. That's the beauty of honesty. Everyones so unused to hearing it they just assume you're kidding, and you get to feel very good and forthcoming without suffering any consequences except for traces of blood in your urine for the next day or two.
Paul NeilanAnd when they start talking, and they always do, you find that each of them has a story they want to tell. Everyone, no matter how old or young, has some lesson they want to teach. And I sit there and listen and learn all about life from people who have no idea how to live it.
Paul NeilanBut really itโs condescending and patronizing not to make fun of someone because theyโre old or stupid or crippled or morbidly obese. Banged up people donโt want your pity. They just want to be treated like everyone else. Mockery, when done without prejudice or discretion, can be a form of respect. Itโs the closest weโll ever come to true equality.
Paul Neilan