Awesome article, JR! I'm neurodivergent and I struggle with anxiety. I've also struggled with identity and conflicting cultural expectations as the child of East Asian immigrants. I struggled with many years with trying to 'fit in', with feeling belonging. And I've felt different, like an outlier. I still do to an extent (and the stigmas, authoritarianism, atrocities by ICE. and more have made it difficult). Your article really resonates with me, and the examples you shared are spot on. I love how witty it is as well as how heartfelt it is as well :).
"I will wear number 54 with pride, as an expression of my love for a utility guy whose name is a beautiful sound that has given me an anchor. If I, and the Raptors, are lucky, I will wear it to a playoff game. And, during the anthems, I will wonder if Mamu can see up high enough to notice it, and think to himself, YESSSS. That guy? He’s different."
This was a pleasure to read 💜
(Just requested Different Beasts through an interlibrary loan)
Awesome article, JR! I'm neurodivergent and I struggle with anxiety. I've also struggled with identity and conflicting cultural expectations as the child of East Asian immigrants. I struggled with many years with trying to 'fit in', with feeling belonging. And I've felt different, like an outlier. I still do to an extent (and the stigmas, authoritarianism, atrocities by ICE. and more have made it difficult). Your article really resonates with me, and the examples you shared are spot on. I love how witty it is as well as how heartfelt it is as well :).
"I will wear number 54 with pride, as an expression of my love for a utility guy whose name is a beautiful sound that has given me an anchor. If I, and the Raptors, are lucky, I will wear it to a playoff game. And, during the anthems, I will wonder if Mamu can see up high enough to notice it, and think to himself, YESSSS. That guy? He’s different."
Love how you wrapped up the article too :)
Great write!
"all pump out visual crap coloured by the same giveaway plastic sheen" - AFUCKINGMEN