Dealing With Difficult People

Continuing the thought of dealing with difficult people, I am reminded of my undergraduate Biology professor, whom I also had for a course in Ecology. One day she was espousing the environmental pluses of Communism as opposed to, shall I say, Federalism. Our class was a good size one, and for some unknown, reason on this particular day, seemed to have lost their ability to respond to some of her outlandish remarks.

I listened to her for as long as my Southern demeanor could hold my tongue in check, and with no warning blurted out, "I would rather go down the tube in pollution than under Communism!"

Total quietness, followed by various supportive responses from previously silent tongues. As my fellow students made exit for the day, the professor called me to hold back for a moment. I knew what was coming, or rather I thought I did.

"Virginia, you are causing me some trouble in some of my classes." (Meaning Ecology, and Evolution in particular). "You are the oldest, and these young people look up to you," she continued, followed by her request for me to stop contributing my opinions.
Then she said, "I choose my beer buddies."

"And I choose my beliefs, and will maintain my freedom of expression," said I.

I received a "A" in all of her courses, and learned a valuable life's lesson - beer and one's beliefs and values are not always compatible!