I should like to respond to the letter from Anonymous.

Permit me to suggest that being unable to see colors, does not entitle you to label yourself as "abnormal." Instead, you are merely one of many individuals who cannot distinguish colors. You mention that people shout at you, thinking that their loudness will break through your "stupidity." What an unfortunate word choice! Do you REALLY believe that you are "stupid" because of your inability to see colors? I prefer to think not. Your paragraph starting "Trouble is…" proves to me that you have a good understanding of your situation and that is NOT being stupid.

Accordingly, is it important for YOU to see things as WE do? Again, I think not. It is more important for US to see things as YOU do. If you truly want to bond with people and want friendships to develop, you must help us by ceasing to denigrate yourself and start to develop your self esteem!

When someone asks for the green book, yes - it is indeed a "stupid" response to pass them all. Wouldn't it be wiser (and more economical) to respond, "I'm colorblind." Someone would be happy to help you. If I were colorblind, I would certainly take offense at your reference to color-sighted people as "normal" (meaning that colorblind people are NOT normal?) Realize that those like yourself are normal too. (And my! How often you dwell on that word!) Your letter indicates to me that it is YOU, and no one else who is "wretchedly excited by color" (whatever THAT means) and "can't stop talking about them."

I know that once you start thinking of yourself as "a normal human being," questions that you perceive as "embarrassing and silly" will cease. And, Anonymous, be PROUD of your name! Show it off! Don't hide it! Don't be ashamed of it merely because you can't distinguish red from blue.

Respectfully,

- Hinde Friedman
Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.A.