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It starts as a joke

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 <img src="https://images.ctfassets.net/hzu7wkrk7tly/3I9gVOwyPeTmmgWQIku0P8/22c89df2745a36e47d7eda6a809a634b/Colossus.jpeg" class="big-picture" />
 <figcaption>
 Colossus explaining to his children the dangers of discrimination. Source: <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/Marvel/comments/5i1asp/its_starts_as_a_joke/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">r/Marvel (Opens in a new tab)</a>.
 </figcaption>
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It always begins as a __joke__. Listen to me, both of you.

One sees a father or a mother of whom they do not __approve--__

And their brats won’t shut up, and the parents are so __exhausted__ that they just let their children __scream__, all sticky and crying and hitting and wild.

And you say to your friends, “You should have to pass a __test__ to breed". Do you understand? "You should have to get __licensed__ to have kids.”

It starts as a joke.

Then perhaps there is __tragedy__. A postpartum mother who should’ve gotten help, but her insurance did not cover therapy.

A father who erred, because he was raised believing men are pathetic if they are caregivers.

The __first tests__ are drafted.

And you think, “Good." you think, "Those children are __safe__ now”.

The test comes out, and yes, there're some problems, but nothing that cannot be __ironed out__, yes?

But now, anyone with mental illness, with a criminal record, is __barred__ from becoming a parent. And you think, “Well, that is sensible, yes?”

Because you've never known anyone like that, so who is to tell you they are not like they are portrayed in stories?

__Sick, dangerous, criminal--__ these words expand.

Suddenly it is anyone with __diabetes__, anyone with __cancer__, because they could die and leave their children orphaned so how dare they ever try to __have__ children?

It is deaf couples, disabled couples, interracial couples, gay couples-- because don't they know how __hard__ they're making it for their children?

Then it is __whoever they want__.

You think you are working for the __greater good__. You can't even fathom the life of someone who isn't __exactly__ like you.

Then one day-- __it is you__.

Some gene, some history, some past behavior-- And suddenly, you too are __sick, dangerous, criminal__.

Because the truth is this--

--__Human hate can adapt to anything__.

You __think__ you are __safe__.

But if someone __hates__ you, they will come up with the reason __after__ the fact.

Only then do you realize what you put in __power__. Only then do you realize what you stripped away.

There is __terrible power__ in a joke, in a story, in taking the truth and making it ugly.

Do you __understand__, children?

oh-no.ooo

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It starts as a joke