15 Comments
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Joan Eisenstodt's avatar

Being unlike what people expect is difficult regardless of the difference or expectations. This is an important essay. Thank you.

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Oliver Bateman Does the Work's avatar

Agreed. I think it's a really unusual story and I'm glad he shared it with us.

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Joan Eisenstodt's avatar

We need to teach people how to understand differences and the world to better accommodate all.

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Oliver Bateman Does the Work's avatar

Definitely!

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April's avatar

Thank you so much for this article ! Sending nice thoughts to your friend. He sounds like an absolute gentleman and I’d date him !

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Oliver Bateman Does the Work's avatar

He's as courtly as they come (and now a dad with a simply gigantic young daughter)

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Autonomous Truck(er)s's avatar

I love that this gentleman is acutely aware and proactive of his involuntary imposition on other people and does something about it. Despite all of the challenges, he remains polite and considerate, what a fucking legend.

“I am often quite uncomfortable at events like concerts because I am very self-conscious about being that freakishly tall person blocking the view of somebody else. That means that in standing room areas I always stand towards the back of the crowd or in a wide open area. In seated venues I am often slouching down in my seat and tilting my head to the side to lower the top of my head. I also do this in the movie theater. This does not provide for pleasant seated events longer than a half hour or so.”

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Oliver Bateman Does the Work's avatar

It’s the Canadian in him

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Autonomous Truck(er)s's avatar

Also, I have a trucker friend who is 6 foot 9 and obviously I sent this to him.

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Oliver Bateman Does the Work's avatar

Yeah I can’t imagine how someone that tall is making it work but you need to interview him about it

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Autonomous Truck(er)s's avatar

*does not work for the government.

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April Martin's avatar

As a sorta tall lady of the 70’s I can relate to some of your thoughts. I enjoyed your work. All the best to you for your future endeavors!!!

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Oliver Bateman Does the Work's avatar

tall people must stand together (in the back of group photos)!

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April Martin's avatar

Always in the back!

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