Monday, April 30, 2007
The Problem with Penner
There has been some discussion locally about the decision of Mike Penner, Los Angeles Times sports writer, to become Christine Daniels. In his own words Mr. Penner tries to explain his decision.
Moral issues aside, two points bug me about all this. 1) After reading his article, there was a distinct feeling that this was a selfish person. With his new name choice, he has decided to insult and forget the family that brought him into the world as he is forgoing the family name. Additionally, why not "Michelle"? Perhaps there are some hard feelings either now or in the past between Mike and his parents, but the lack of comment on the issue is glaring.
2) Later during the day on which the article was published, I learned from Air America (yes, the liberal station) that Mr. Penner is also married (and, now going through a divorce). Where is the public apology to his wife?
So long as he remains silent on these issues, he will continue to be seen as a selfish individual regaradless of what a surgical knife does to his genetalia.
Moral issues aside, two points bug me about all this. 1) After reading his article, there was a distinct feeling that this was a selfish person. With his new name choice, he has decided to insult and forget the family that brought him into the world as he is forgoing the family name. Additionally, why not "Michelle"? Perhaps there are some hard feelings either now or in the past between Mike and his parents, but the lack of comment on the issue is glaring.
2) Later during the day on which the article was published, I learned from Air America (yes, the liberal station) that Mr. Penner is also married (and, now going through a divorce). Where is the public apology to his wife?
So long as he remains silent on these issues, he will continue to be seen as a selfish individual regaradless of what a surgical knife does to his genetalia.
