Middlesex+11

pg 440-477 Definitions punchinello- "was a short-lived American satirical magazine" wikipedia.org--- cartoon strip esque rulemonger- "A stickler for rules; a slave of rules"- thefreedictionary.com Letter Dear friend, I know this must be a very hard time, but I want you to know I am here for you. Your genetic makeup may make you appear different, but we have been friends long before this, and we will be friends long after. You have not changed, you are no different, you are still just as special and amazing as ever. I am here if you need to talk, I love you terribly, and wether or not you have a penis does not change that! You are my best friend and I dont know what I would ever do without you. You have always been there for me, and I promise, no matter what I will be there for you. And so, if you want to talk, want to just sit, want to go see Arthur Christmas, whatever! I am here. Love, Your best friend

"they then began to kick me" pg 476 I found this quote disturbing. After having been ridiculed in such a manner, I don't understand how they would come to violence. I don't understand why that would be necessary, why they would feel inclined to do such a thing. I feel like there is not enough respect for human life. This is a gift we have each been given, regardless of any difference between any of us, and I think these men in particular have overlooked that fact. This boy has done nothing to them. Then they find out he is a girl and are going to rape her? Then they realize she is intersex and beat her up? I don't understand the though process there. I know many people resort to violence when there is something different in their surroundings, but just because it happens does not mean it makes sense. And it is not like these are children, these are grown men. They should "know better". Sometimes the human race scares me in its capability for violence and hate.