Privilege

I don't mean to sound insensitive, but ever notice how some handicapped individuals may actually have benefits not typically afforded to the general populace? Now, I am not referring to handicapped parking spots, nor bathroom stalls, which I can fully understand and endorse due to their disability. What I'm intrigued about is the ability to do what you and I, John Q. Public, cannot do. For example, just today, I was walking down the hall of my large midwestern employer and walking beside me trying to keep pace was a man walking on crutches. As he walked, he let out some lengthy flatulence, that because of the sheer duration of the sound, I admit that I was somewhat impressed. Now, my first reaction was, "whoa, that can't be what I think it is," so I paused. I kept insisting to myself that it must be the rubber on the bottom of his crutches or perhaps shoes that were rubbing together that unusual sound.

To which, he definitively reminded me that there was no mistake in that he let loose again. No, not only did he repeat his reminder, but cut loose a monumental example of why he IS the man! Afterwards, he looked at me like he was surprised that I would dare question his need to release some gas. As if, I were the one with the unusual problem. I then noticed an older woman walk past who looked at me with a serious, but quizzical stare as if I were the one with the problem as well. No doubt that she heard and noticed what HE did, but now she was staring at me as if I were the issue. So now, my friends, I am at a loss. Perhaps, I should be more sensitive to those less fortunate, and allow them this rite of passage without making them feel so uncomfortable. You could say, I suppose, that I should cut them some slack as they cut the cheese.