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Friday, February 11, 2011

The Cast System

Sometimes its easy to pigeon hole people. If someone is different or acts different society tends to treat them a bit differently then other people. Before criticizing a man, walk a mile in his shoes.

For the past two weeks I've living with a significant difference in my life. During Christmas break I fell on my hand playing basketball and fractured my scaphoid bone in my wrist. When it was finally diagnosed I was put in a cast past my elbow until March 16th and a possible half arm cast for another six weeks.

Before I go any further I want to say that this "disability" is nothing compared to the actual caste system in India. To compare this to that would be callous and a horrible comparison. People under the actual caste system live a life that I cannot compare to a measly fracture.

Having this cast has changed my life in a few small ways though. When I shower I have to hold my arm up above my head, wrapped in a trash bag. Typing is different too.

I felt the most out of place this week during intramural hockey game. While I have this cast on, it is encouraged for me not to participate in physical activities for obvious reasons. Sweat build up under a cast for six weeks is not a fun thing. Since I can't play hockey my teammates decided to make me goalie. "Its ok, you won't be running!"

Everything was going good until the end of the first period. The director of the gym came over and announced that the cast was to dangerous for sports. I could continue if I wrapped it in a hoodie. Keep in mind the entire reason I didn't want to play was because I wanted to avoid sweat. For 10 minutes the game was delayed while we found a hoodie, wrapped the cast, and got situated again. The other team milled around impatiently waiting for the game to start again. I felt like a crippled kid that everyone was trying to help. Not very fun.

All is not bad. Last night while on a late night Waffle House run I was accosted by three middle to late aged waitresses who all wanted to sign my cast and take a picture of it-"for the facebook page." they explained.

There you go! Want to be the center of attention whether you want to or not? As they say Hollywood..."Break a leg!"




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