What it meansto be gay
Thank you for writing “That’s so gay? No it isn’t” (Boy on Boystown, June 29 column by Jason Steele).
I’ve been calling people on this for years, and every time I think we’ve evolved as a society (or at least a city) into a level of understanding and maybe even acceptance, I hear the term thrown around in a derogatory way.
It’s sad to me that we even need an article like this to point it out or remind people not to do it. I think it’s also the responsibility of those of us in the know to challenge people when they use the term “gay” to mean something negative. My favorite response when people say, “That party was so gay,” is to say, “Oh, fun! You hung out with homosexuals! Wasn’t it fabulous?!” It’s a playful way to remind them of the proper use of the word and not put them on the defensive. And I’ll do it every time it occurs until they learn.
Cynthia Holmes, 26, Andersonville
Hurtful words
I often hear people use the words “gay” and “retarded” to signify something is “stupid,” and I get very offended. I’m neither gay nor mentally disabled, but I try to be conscious of my words and how they could hurt someone.
If you mean to say something is stupid, just say it is stupid. My friends often get mad when I harp on them about using the word “retarded,” but as someonewho used to volunteer with the BestBuddies organization, I know firsthand how hurtful the word is when used inappropriately. Frankly, I’d rather beseen as annoying by my friends for calling them out than sound ignorant anduneducated for using these two words incorrectly.
Jennifer DeLuca, 22, Lakeview
He’s the manny
I think your cover story on “mannies” is great (“Super manny,” July 3 cover story).
Since graduating, I’ve been a full-time nanny. I have 35 clients and go from one house to the other all day long. Families typically have me play sports, go places or just hang out with the children while they do their daily routine.
I work about 60 hours a week and get paid anywhere from $15-$25 an hour. I think having a male nanny is very important in a child’s life. Also, male nannies seem to be more respected by the children and respected a lot more when it comes to sports and playtime.
Thank you for the article. It makes me happy that the male nanny isstarting to be respected and appreciated by the public.
John Smiros, 24, Roscoe Village
Dirty work
I worked for a man who was the managing director in a very large financial company in the Northwest suburbs. (“Hate your boss?” June 29 cover story.) On a department picnic last year, he actually beat up one of [the people who reports directly to him] in front of everyone, laughing and joking the whole time, making it seem like he was goofing around. The guy was in a lot of pain.
This boss was so insecure but portrayed himself as a highly religious, educated and experienced manager. He was nothing more than a bully on a playground, beating people up literally and figuratively. I am grateful not to work for him or the organization anymore. The company turned their head at his behavior because he was so good at his own PR; they thought he was the best!
Sarah Manchester, Prospect Heights
