Last week I saw something I thought only happened on TV. It was like a TLC documentary had come to life before my very eyes. I was strolling through Target on my lunch break, picking up some groceries and your average garden department impulse buys.
While standing in line, something caught my eye. My first thought was “that is the tallest woman I’ve ever seen.” My second thought was “cross dresser!!” Walking past me was a large, muscular man wearing a floral, sleeveless dress, high heels and a necklace. No wig, in case you were curious. I was mesmerized, but knew that I had to resist the urge to stare. After all, I didn’t want to make him uncomfortable, although one could argue he was already doing that to himself by wearing heels.
You see, I’ve always been super open-minded and sensitive to others’ feelings. What? Don’t believe me? Well, I have proof. Below is one of the books I wrote back in 3rd grade, along with my present day commentary.
Side note: If you’re having trouble viewing the images below on your phone, you may have to read this on a full computer screen. Sorry, I’d have a meltdown if I had to re-do them to be more legible.
I think the funniest thing about this story, aside from the drawing of Martin, is the fact that Michelle was based on my teacher at the time (the one who graded this). Her name was Michelle and she was tall, thin and pale. The picture I drew looked just like her. I actually idolized her and thought she was wonderful, but for some reason she wasn’t exactly portrayed in the best light in this story. I’m starting to wonder if this marked the beginning of my fall from teacher’s pet status. Or maybe it was the fact that I challenged cultural norms by drawing a 10 year-old transvestite before I even knew the meaning of the word? I guess I’ll never know…
Love this! I skipped over from Darla’s post, ’cause your location in Texas as well as your name intrigued me. That, and you’ve never eaten a lobster. How can that be? LOL
This is a great presentation…I very much enjoyed it. We are going through issues right now with with two young female grade-schoolers on what constitutes “pretty.” My girls are fortunate to be eye beauties, but they both know that their real beauty is in their actions and how they treat others (people, animals, bugs, etc.). I’ll bookmark your site so that I can click around when I have more time. Glad to have stumbled upon you.
– Shannon, http://www.dirtnkids.wordpress.com
Thanks for checking out my blog! I know…never had lobster. Such a crime. Are you in Texas as well?
I feel like there’s some kind of moral to this story, but I’m having trouble figuring out what it is. It’s ok to cross dress? Real beauty is when you have a good brain? You shouldn’t be mean to others just because they’re different?
Anyway, feel free to come back any time. I’ll check your site out soon as well!
Loved this!
It’s quite ironic how much we know as children without actually realizing it huh?
It really is…it also makes you understand why they say kids are so easily influenced by TV/movies/friends. I guess kids really do pay attention.
This is hilarious! I love the grown-up Carly comments too! “Nothing says perfection like pale hands and a beautiful brain.” Haha classic.
Glad you liked it! That was probably my favorite part…I think I must have watched too much Anne of Green Gables or some old timey show where paleness still signified beauty.
This was awesome! I loved everything, the drawings the story. This gives me an idea for an upcoming post about beauty, thanks!
Thanks Darla! Blog Post Idea Inspirer is actually my second job.
I love it! How old were you in ’94?
Hey Rachel! I guess I was 9 when I wrote this one. Probably too young to know about transvestites.
What a progressive lil thing you were. Hysterical!
The funny thing is that I never would have thought myself to have been progressive as a kid…until reading this.
This is possibly one of the most wonderful things I have ever read! I LOVE it!
Thanks Heather! You need to come visit me and Allison!
The story is great and your current day annotations make it even more fun. Thanks for sharing your early writings
OMG Michelle looks uncomfortable…idk but something’s not right with Michelle. Lol the story needs some Hollywood finetuning for some drama…but me likey! Very honest
Haha!! I think there’s a lot wrong with Michelle. Don’t even get me started on that outfit of hers
Alright, I’m going to be the creepy guy that says it (cause you know… that’s how I roll *brushes imaginary dirt off shoulder*) but that is just awesome penmanship, wait… penpersonship
The penmanship in the actual story was pretty bad. That’s why I had to type it up. Kids…what are they good for?
Really excellent work. You had me all the way. Great job. All joy. HF
Thanks!
just when I thought your blog couldn’t get ANY BETTER… this is one of the best stories I’ve read! Social commentary on many things- not just cross dressers- the more you try to push someone down- the higher they rise!!!
Thank you so much for reading! It looks like you’ve made your way through a lot of my posts today. I’m glad you’ve enjoyed them!
That story always makes me laugh. Clearly I rooted for the underdog as a kid. And not just any underdog…the cross-dressing underdog. I wish so badly that I could go back in time and see the expression on my teacher’s face when she read it.