Hey, unicycle hecklers: graduate middle school

Publication Date: 12/03/2007

I'm one of the unicyclists on campus, and I have held my tongue for way too long. Now that the creator of "Weaksauce" has published his second comic striking out against unicyclists, I feel that I must say something.

I've been riding a unicycle for two and a half years now, and have received many reactions. Most are positive, people saying it's cool or wishing they knew how to ride too. But there have been many negative reactions as well. I have been repeatedly asked where my other wheel is, yelled at from cars, had a circus song sung to me, and had people jump in front of me in an attempt to make me fall. Of course, you can't forget everyone's favorite of calling me a "fag."

All this because I chose to take up a hobby that is different from what others do. This is a college campus, where one should be able to try something new without fear of having to deal with someone else's ignorance. We aren't in middle school anymore; it's time people learned to show some respect for others' differences.

For those of you that have been supportive, I thank you. For the rest of you, I ask what I have ever done to you. I'm not aware I've ever hurt someone while riding, but if I have I apologize; it wasn't intentional. You may find us cocky, but you'd feel like ignoring people too if you were constantly being insulted. You can continue to hate me if you want, but can you please learn to keep it to yourself so I can enjoy myself in peace?

Devin Lamb

Senior in the College of Technology