A new column where we ask folks at this school an uncomfortable question and publish the answers. We hope that sharing those less-talked-about things here, with each other, can be cathartic. Be warned, some content may be triggering. Email us potential questions!
The meanest thing anyone has ever said to me was…
- When my boyfriend told me he’s more of an adult than I am because he studies science and no one uses philosophy. – Rakaiah, Senior
- When I cut my hair, people called me a psycho lesbian. – Tulla, Freshman
- “At least I was raised by my parents.’” – Summer, Sophomore
- When I told my first girlfriend that I had been sexually abused, she went around telling everyone that I was lying and that I actually enjoyed it. – Novak, Freshman
- When I lived in an abusive home, one of my parents called me the C-word. – Jess, Freshman
- “Fuck off and die.” – Caleb, Junior
- When different people say “go back to your country because you don’t speak English” and that kind of stuff. Or ask why am I here, or say I am going to rape or steal because I am speaking Spanish. – Kevin, EF student
- When my dad told me that his boundaries were being violated whenever he had to say my name. – Kady, Sophomore
- “You think that nothing can make you unhappy today? It is now my goal to make you unhappy.” – Catherine, Junior
- “Your hair is gross” – Moonriver, Junior
- “I don’t trust white people” – Angel, Freshman
- In middle school, they called me ‘period head’ because I’m a ginger – Collin, Sophomore
- That when I was born, I came out of my mom’s butthole – Brennan, Junior
- “You’re you”, but the meanness was in like the tone they used. – Keaton, Freshman
- That a creative writing piece of mine sounded like John Green’s writing – Julian, Evergreen staff
- That I’m not worth anything – Elayna, Freshman
- “You look like a bum” – Floyd, Freshman
A significant number of people (across multiple genders and backgrounds) reported being called “faggot” or variations thereupon. If we printed every instance, it would easily take up this whole page, so we aren’t doing that. Still, it felt important to acknowledge the ubiquity of the slur and to thank everyone who shared their experiences with us.
