On the subject of discrimination.

 Just finished a short story called Brennbar's Rant, by John Irving.

It was about discrimination. So here are some quotes from the short story:

Brennbar said:

The first form of discrimination I encountered while growing up was so subtle and pervasive that even to this day no group has been able to organize a protest against it, no politician has dared mention it, no civil case has been taken up by the courts. In no major, or minor, city is there even a suitable ghetto where these sufferers can support one another. Discrimination against them is so total that they even discriminate against each other, they are ashamed to be what they are, how they look, they are even ashamed of it when they are alone - and all the more ashamed to be seen together.

Can you guess at the discrimination?

Listen, said another character in the story, if you are talking about homosexuality, what you're saying is no longer the case........

No, said Brennbar. I'm talking about pimples. Acne. Zits. You all know people with pimples. And they disgust you. Talk about myths involved with discrimination. God, you would think pimples were more communicative than the clap. It was a common fable: if you saw a pimple you assumed a dirty person. People who produce puss never wash. 

Zitism. That's what it is. And you are a zitist. You couldn't begin to understand how awful those with zits are treated. 

Perfect description of discrimination, wouldn't you say?


OR the story can be found in this book:






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