I think the "money-is-tacky" thing is probably of rich WASPy origin. Emily Post and Amy Vanderbilt, and probably many other etiquette experts were of the WASPy old-money set (think Edith Wharton/Henry James). Talking about money was "vulgar," maybe because "everyone" was assumed to have it and be above the concerns of…

I don't think she did it because it was funny. I think she did it because she thought the clothes, accessories, and music of the culture was beautiful.

I consider it significant that you tried yourself first, and then brought in the adult that they listened to.

I would argue with you that those "punishing and unrewarding subjects" are preparing your to deal with the realities of work life. You are not always going to like the assignments or tasks you are given in your work life, but you still have to do them. Finding a way to approach those topics and deal with them is…

And I think our world views are different in that I was raised with a "smile and take it regardless of whether you agree, and someday you might have the position to change things." I mean, if there was something actually worth being civilly disobedient about, then go for it (like same sex couples at prom or something)…

If a child "makes" a parent phone the school and complain about the child's grades, that parent is over-indulgent. If I'd tried to persuade my parents to do that, I'd have been told in no uncertain terms that the way to get better grades was to do better. And trying to "make" my parents do anything would have been…

"I made her call my teachers and argue about the Fs that I'd receive quite frequently."

The fact that it is underreported isn't helped by you not even elaborating on the subject.

"It's not that other cultures get a pass at all, but it's not our house to clean or set the rules for."

Yeah, you probably aren't of evangelical culture either, but wouldn't you call out bigoted attitudes in evangelical Christianity when you see them?

I love Disneyland/world and I don't care. It is magical. I can't wait to take my kid(s) there someday (when they're old enough to walk and go on all the rides, but young enough to believe in the magic the way only a child can). It's cool if it's not your thing, fewer people in line ahead of me!

Disney World is full of magic and overpriced merchandise and I love the everliving shit out of it.

I remember an interview she and John gave on CNN during the 2004 election. They really seemed to be very much enamored with each other. They also talked very openly about navigating a relationship that comes after losing a partner (through death or divorce). Even though I disagree with them on many things, I don't…

I feel the same way about the 'word' "otherizing".