So recently I’m reheating food in the microwave at the staff room, and 4 teachers are having a whine. Students and staff are taking a lot of time off these days. “Don’t they know that COVID was over”, “we’ve all had it and we’re fine” said white people with well to do parents. Maybe they didn’t see me come in or they forget that I’m seeing long COVID every day when I come home. I just gave it a second stare before continuing on, I don’t need to fuck with my livelihood. My meals are eaten outside, away from liberals, with a book; and my life is way better for it. Sometimes I chat with the maintenance or cleaning people and the convos are way more genuine, without all the weird bragging that middle class people like to do.
I swear to God, just immediately they dropped the names of 3 other young teachers who have new chronic health conditions. One has persistent low energy, another brand new allergies and asthma, yet another has to go back and live with her parents as she can’t cope with work and illness. Everyone’s stressing about using up all their sick time.
The less I care about the opinions of comfortable white liberals, the happier I am. Amen.
Had to do outdoor bus duty yesterday during dismissal. So I took off my mask off because it was nice and breezy out. My students rarely see me without my mask.
Every time I do this I always regret it because of how rude students, teachers, and parents are to me. Some kids are sweet and just say that I look nice. But most of the comments are:
“Why aren’t you wearing your mask???”
“Nice to see your face finally, Mr. FishLake!”
“Don’t wear a mask tomorrow! COVID is over!”
Can’t you just mind your own fucking business?
That really really sucks and I’m sorry. We vegans know the reason for the snarkiness, they feel morally threatened by someone making a virtuous decision while they do fuck all.
I must be lucky in that I’m old, tall, male, and determined as fuck, most people don’t dare say shit to me. Rarely kids make a generic comment or question, but I feel happy to answer it as at least I’m spreading information. I don’t think any adult would dare make a comment knowing that they’re gonna get a lecture on the IRL shit that COVID’s done to my family.
First off, vegans are an inspiration and deserve praise.
Maybe you are lucky, because I’m old and male too but I still get shit. But I am also sub 5’7”, have pretty nice long hair, and sometimes I wear eyeliner and nail polish. I’m sure that adds to the perception that I can be picked on. I don’t normally care, but yesterday just got under my skin a little.