THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, August 17, 1995 TAG: 9508170003
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 28 lines
Regarding staff writer Mike D'Orso's excellent article on Pat Conroy, I must take exception to the line, ``. . . to this day he does not type, thanks to his father, who forbade his sons to learn such a `sissy' skill in high school.''
Let's keep in mind that Conroy, a gifted and lyrical writer, is a 49-year-old adult who has not attended high school in 31 years.
Yes, parents have a profound influence on the attitudes and behavior of their children. Yes, for good or ill, our early experiences color our present ones. But Conroy - like all the rest of us - is (and has been) capable of deciding to learn to type at any time. To suggest otherwise is demeaning and condescending in the extreme.
KATHERINE MORIARTY, MSW
Maryview Psychiatric Hospital
Portsmouth, Aug. 2, 1995 by CNB