To: jgonnerman@villagevoice.com

From: FallingMan@comcast.net

Subject: A BP1 Diagnosis: You are an Arrogant Bastard

I just read your puerile and specious article in the Village Voice, Tuesdays With Judy. As a recently diagnosed Bipolar man I found it appalling and condescending.

I imagine you think you did a really nice, sensitive job of depicting us as helpless children in dire need of your so-called normal society's intervention. I have news for you.

There are many more of us than you might suspect. And we live among you. And we do not consider your society particularly sane. And we do not appreciate nor value your so-called contributions to our cause.

Think about this the next time a friendly person who you choose to ignore on the subway helps you. Be sure to get to your pointless job on time and don't forget to check your cell messages.

People like you make me want to hurl.

I blew a cork over an article in the Village Voice about people with Bipolar disorder (Living With Judy). I sent the letter above to its author. Infuriating. All the little helpless bipolar little children (Oops! All grown up now!) in a classroom making nice little artwork for visiting and caring strangers. I hope I'm dog meat before I am reduced to sitting in a kindergarten classroom behaving myself for well-meaning liberal intellectuals who really care, honestly, about me.

This incident made me think in a completely different way about my disorder. I mean, up until now, I more or less thought of it as a temporary illness. With the correct drugs and some diligent therapy I expect to return to normal. But reading that horrible article made me think about the so-called normal society with which I am striving to re-integrate myself. My God. How insultingly patronizing. Was I that way before this happened to me?

The way the author describes the event of the day is particularly infuriating. The students had apparently made artwork and were holding their own “little art show.” It's so sweet when lunatics find a way to “contribute to society,” don't you think? Look how well our well-meaning and caring programs are working! They're all so calm and approachable. Much better than raving in the park, scaring away tourist dollars. It pays to invest!

Oh, and for special inspiration, let's all look at this poor fellow who has pulled himself up by his bootstraps. Well, one anyway. He became suicidal and jumped in front of a train and lost one of his legs. It could have been worse. It could have been one of his three wives. OK, OK, so the Bible allows four but let's stay on track, here.

Golly Jeepers, Mr. Science! How did the poor nut case (Whoops! Socially-challenged) man ever overcome that terrible incident? Why, he's making art now. And licking the fat ass of his patronizing teacher, I imagine. “Now, Billy, no boogers in public – we discussed this, remember? Keep that up and you won't be able to participate with the other students in the art show. Billy?” See how nicely integrated he has become? No more jumping in front of trains for Billy. No Sir!

Oops. Too many meds. Better reel back a bit – We lost him. Billy thinks he's one of us. It's so cute when they try to act like us.

I think this article got under my skin way more than I expected.