Am I Blue?

           Am I blue?

By: Terri Thampan 804

     I have recently read the short story, “Am I Blue?” by Bruce Coville. The story’s protagonist is named Vince. When we first see Vince, he was beaten up for being gay, even though Vince himself has no idea what his sexual orientation might be. In comes Melvin, Vince’s new Fairy-Godfather. You got me, Fairy-Godfather. Melvin comes and helps out Vince, teaching him that being gay really isn't that bad, unlike what some might say, and also turning the world’s gay people the color/shade blue.

    When reading this story, I got the general message quite clearly. It’s okay to be gay. But what really drew me into the story was the character Melvin. To me, he seems like a really cool guy, I wanted to see his history. I wanted to know more about this character, even though Vince’s is history is a bit vaguer just like his. He also teaches Vince, which makes his character more interesting as he's a mentor.

    First off, what got me interested in Melvin was that he had a description. Unlike the many other characters in the short story, I might have just ignored Melvin’s if he did have one; I could actually visualize this guy. It was stated quite clearly in the text that he was tall and slender. It also gives us more information in the text, “He had dark hair, a neat mustache, and a sweater slung over his shoulders. He was kind of handsome-almost pretty. He wore a gold ring in his left ear. He looked to be about thirty.”

     Right off the bat, I can see this guy. But what I also noticed was that the way he looked, seemed to show off his personality. In the world, many people judge you based on how you look, the more messed up, and ruffled you look, the lower the people think of you. In the text, apparently, Melvin’s clothes can’t get dirty, and his mustache is neat. This makes you think, ‘well, look at this chap right here! He must be a fellow gentleman!’ (In a British accent because everyone knows sophisticated people have British accents ;P), or they will think you as more of a scholarly type.

     But he also has an earring. When I generally think of guys with earrings, I’m a bit disappointed to say, that I have a bit of a stereotype and think of rebellious kids and delinquents. To me when I think of Melvin and rethink about his character, I can totally see it as Melvin’s sign of being rebellious towards a world that discriminates gay people, who he is one of. I find that really cool, and very encouraging to others to not be afraid of the world, and stand up and be rebellious for what they believe in and who they are.
     Another thing I like about Melvin, is that the author gives hints about Melvin's past, which makes him pretty interesting. "Honey, I gave my life to be able to walk like this. Don't you dare try to stop me now." Is what he says when Vince asks him to stop walking so swishy-like. We then get the whole story in this part, "It's how I met my maker, so to speak. I was walking down the street one day last year, minding my own business, when three bruisers dragged me into an alley, shouting 'We'll teach you, faggot!' They ever did explain what they were going to teach me. Last thing I remember about life on Earth is coming face to face with a tire iron. Next thing I knew I was knocking on the Pearly Gates." This tells me that even before he died, he was determined to walk like he wanted to, not caring what others say about him. It also makes me even more curious about his history, because usually, many are afraid to do that. It makes me wonder if Melvin met someone in the past who made him be courageous enough to act like he wanted to, and not get hurt by those that call him gay. In act, he and his friends called each other faggots so they would be less hurt about the word, and show that the word had no effect on them. They were taking the famous saying "Sticks and Stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me" to heart apparently.
     Another reason why I like Melvin is because he wants things to change. He became the first Fairy Godfather, because he wanted to, and was determined to get it to be so. He also wants it so that people would stop ignoring the fact that being gay isn't abnormal, and start realizing that everyone knows someone who's gay. He wants it so that gays don't have to hide, in fear that what happened to Vice and Melvin will happen to them.
     I find Melvin's character very cool. His personality is very nice, and has determination all over him. He is a very encouraging character that tells people it's okay to be different and not fit the social norm. So I guess everyone who is bullied and beaten down on for being different should put on their earring of rebelliousness and face the world, knowing there are actually many others waiting to help you out.