THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, March 26, 1995 TAG: 9503260163
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: ELIZABETH SIMPSON
LENGTH: Medium: 66 lines
Here's an envelope stamped ``American Conscience Matter,'' a couple more that came by certified mail, and a letter signed, ``Truly disappointed.''
It's just the top of the pile of mail on my desk.
As usual, my readers (and writers) are mad . . . glad . . . moved . . . outraged. Couldn't agree with me more. Couldn't agree with me less. Or aren't quite sure how they feel - ``Sincerely, well not really'' one letter is signed.
One guy called me brilliant.
``Let me say again, Ms. Simpson,'' he wrote in a letter that for reasons that escape me is notarized, ``In respect to your Brilliant writings, in my opinion you should square yourself with the Public by admitting this is a matter of Equality.''
He also told me I have a ``butch hair cut.'' It must have been that column I wrote supporting Shannon Faulkner, the young woman who was told to shave her head to enter The Citadel.
My hair, for some reason, has been a topic of interest, besides being the quickest way to ask for me - ``that woman with the really short hair.'' One reader said some people, the caller not included of course, might suggest I have short hair and wear glasses because I want to look like a man.
Hmmm. And I always thought it was because I had unruly hair and poor eyesight.
Another gentleman accused me of writing columns with ``blatant opinion that is biased toward females.''
Yes, and why can't a woman be more like man?
Which brings me to perky little bosoms.
When I took columnist Mike Royko to task for describing a TV anchor as having a perky bosom, you'd think I'd slain one of the gods of the journalistic world. One guy called in to say, ``What did you want him to say, `Pointy little . . .' ''
He urged me to get a life, and said ``perky little bosom'' was an appropriate term.
One reader wrote in response to a column I wrote about juggling a job with staying home with kids who are sick.
He calls me ``Beth,'' which was not only too familiar, but wrong. No one has ever called me that.
``I was not entertained, nor was I informed by your article. I was depressed by the thought of a mother so naive that she thinks this sample of irresponsible journalism would benefit anyone.''
The writer also accused me of being more concerned about ``which expensive car looks best in the driveway of that $200,000 home.''
He got a lot more wrong than my nickname.
Believe it not, there are people who have written in support. ``I think of you as a voice for all of us who are thirty-something trying to handle the load,'' wrote one woman who also asked whether I've ever considered running for office.
No, dear reader, I haven't considered running for office. I have considered running from the office, but only when the mail arrives.
Which is not to say I haven't come back to read every letter. And usually learn a thing or two.
If you want to further the education of that woman with the really short hair, write me at The Virginian-Pilot, 307 County St., Portsmouth, Va. 23704; e-mail me at liz-(AT)infi.net; or call me at 446-2613.
I'll be waiting. by CNB