tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5356114186987252972.post4274031784092276801..comments2024-03-28T22:09:54.924-04:00Comments on The Closet Professor: We Wear the MasksJoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05299122685163501819noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5356114186987252972.post-4210999683766577282015-01-06T21:31:52.732-05:002015-01-06T21:31:52.732-05:00As you stated everyone has a mask...whether it'...As you stated everyone has a mask...whether it's one thing or another. Some use it to hide others may use it as a form of armor. Either way we shouldn't judge and try to be more understanding if at all possible. Sometimes easier said than done but we're all on this big rock together so we need to make the best of it. :)Amandahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01909623741866805635noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5356114186987252972.post-47484160812251802232015-01-06T20:44:46.833-05:002015-01-06T20:44:46.833-05:00I think I am to the point that my mask is off. The...I think I am to the point that my mask is off. The family knows, my friends that matter know, and a gentleman who is the father of two of my former scouts sat on my couch tonight with a gay Christmas ornament practically brushing his cheek. He knows now! <br /><br />But Michael Dodd says it well. I don't wear the mask, but I try not to call too much attention to what's now uncovered. Unless you come to my house! HAHAHAHA<br /><br />I try to treat all with respect, and perhaps if they are masked, they can see it is possible to drop it, too.<br /><br />Love the poem and post. Thank you.<br />Peace <3<br />JayAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09978841487723754585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5356114186987252972.post-67046957891301075442015-01-06T13:11:55.914-05:002015-01-06T13:11:55.914-05:00Personally, I find masks useful, depending on what...Personally, I find masks useful, depending on what you define them as. I couldn't, and wouldn't want to have to, deal with humanity without the veneer of kindness, caring, empathy, civilization, fairness, etc. that protect me from people and protect people from me. I find that the more a person unreservedly shares their 'true' feelings, the less I want to have to deal with them. Maybe it's just me.Bodhisbuddynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5356114186987252972.post-6294586034455580542015-01-06T13:03:55.369-05:002015-01-06T13:03:55.369-05:00[I deleted an earlier version of this comment beca...[I deleted an earlier version of this comment because of a problematic typo.]<br /><br />I believe one attracts more flies with honey than with vinegar -- which is only helpful if one is interested in attracting flies, of course.<br /><br />Civility and reasonableness are always appropriate, empathy and compassion are always necessary. The trick -- and I have not found an easy way to do this bit -- is to give honesty and candor their due while always being polite. Which is probably why as an activist, I stink.<br /><br />My approach for some time has been not to wear the mask -- but at the same time, not to demand that all the attention be on my face. Other people suffer, other people hide their pain. We're all in this together. If I can by simple and humane example show one person that it is possible to walk around without the mask -- be that person gay or straight or trans or atheist or evangelical -- then that will be my contribution to a better world. Michael Doddhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00942287172727040371noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5356114186987252972.post-30673552364572908682015-01-06T13:01:12.310-05:002015-01-06T13:01:12.310-05:00This comment has been removed by the author.Michael Doddhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00942287172727040371noreply@blogger.com