To the editor:

Kudos to Greg Rogers, whose inspiring story I read with interest in the Dec. 1 edition of your paper.

It’s unfortunate when the media collaborate in spreading condescending prejudices against what little a Midwest town like Lawrence offers in the way of a diverse community; however, I feel the tone of exceptionalism in the Rogers article meets this offensive criterion.

What’s more, when the general public goes on a self-serving ego trip by failing to realize their behavior in so often and patronizingly accosting strangers whom they perceive as having any physical limitation on the sidewalks and campus quads of Lawrence with the mindless and offensive question “Need Help?” this violates others’ privacy and dignity and the spirit of civil rights laws; it seems like something needs to be done to rein in these rampant “panhandlers for gratitude.” They are certainly not helping — only frightening people and interfering with their equal rights and free enjoyment of public space.

Adriane Emily Richwell,
Lawrence