[ it's a moment before she replies, uncharacteristically intent, ] Fuck pity. [ another pause ] You take what they offer, but you don't never let them think they're getting it for free.
[ because they're getting something out of it. everyone wants something, always. maybe it soothes their guilt a little, maybe makes it easier to pretend it couldn't happen to them. maybe makes it easier to put some distance between all the misfortune you represent.
you take it, because like he says, it's useful. because all the more often you'll find some other breed of condescension curled up ugly in its place, the kind that doesn't pay, that only pays in teeth.
but you always make them work for it. you make them work for what they want. you don't ever forget that it's an exchange, these small pieces of dignity you trade away for comfort, for ease. you don't forget, because sooner or later you have to choose — and whichever you pick, you've got to know why. ]
no subject
Fuck pity. [ another pause ] You take what they offer, but you don't never let them think they're getting it for free.
[ because they're getting something out of it. everyone wants something, always. maybe it soothes their guilt a little, maybe makes it easier to pretend it couldn't happen to them. maybe makes it easier to put some distance between all the misfortune you represent.
you take it, because like he says, it's useful. because all the more often you'll find some other breed of condescension curled up ugly in its place, the kind that doesn't pay, that only pays in teeth.
but you always make them work for it. you make them work for what they want. you don't ever forget that it's an exchange, these small pieces of dignity you trade away for comfort, for ease. you don't forget, because sooner or later you have to choose — and whichever you pick, you've got to know why. ]