Get out of the road!
When driving around the city I get a bit frustrated with people roaming through traffic asking for money when waiting at a light: either panhandling or squeegeeing cars. Asking for money on the streets – no problem, but in the streets is where it gets me. Get out of the road, especially when the light is green as it’s a great time to rear-end someone!
They saunter and chase about looking in windows asking for money and don’t seemed to bothered at all by the cars. It doesn’t help the situation, but at least in many countries the people asking for money are doing something: think clowns and mimes. Most of the time the panhandlers are not intimidating, but I have seen them linger longer with elderly drivers hoping for money.
You see, the thing is, I really don’t want to hit a person or another car, but I don’t think all drivers think the same. Recently, I saw five squeegee people descend on a car; the driver purposefully gunned it, nearly hitting one. Could the city post a big “No Panhandling” sign at Main and Terminal or one of the many locations in the city?
-KFF
Just say no to sexy clowns
The clown performances in the Cirque du Soleil show that I recently attended in Vancouver were extremely offensive. Their behaviour was suggestive of sexually aggressive acts. This was especially horrifying because it was a 4:30pm show at which many young children were in attendance.
Many of the jokes revolved around male clowns being attracted to a female volunteer’s physical appearance. At one point a clown grabbed a woman’s hand and put it down the front of his pants. A clown also implied that he was flashing a woman by ripping off the outer layer of his clothing and saying "I want you." Jokes were also made about the clowns becoming sexually aroused, insinuating that they had erections. Further, a clown humped a male volunteer’s leg on a number of occasions. Other demonstrations of sexually aggressive behaviour occurred, including spanking.
These jokes normalize sexually aggressive behaviour in our society and suggest that they are not only appropriate, but also funny. Community shows, especially those that involve children, should not deliver harmful messages that condone sexually aggressive behaviour.
–Randall Gillis
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