Out Of All Them Bright Stars - Nancy Kress

I thought this was a heart-warming story about the difference between being a biological human and having humane thoughts and ideals. It seems to me that apart from Sally, the humans in the story have been dumbed down by the college in regards to what they should think of the polite blue aliens. It's ironic that the old couple that comes in every Friday night has never left a tip, but the blue alien treats Sally with respect and dignity.

The story made me think of people that I have encountered in my own life who would fit into the "Charlie and Kathy" category while others are more of a "Sally". There are so many people in this world who lose themselves in ideas and beliefs that are pounded into them by the media, the government or other institutes. They stop thinking for themselves and allow the opinions of other to become opinions of their own.

Sally, for what seems like the first time in some time, was treated well and given attention by an alien. John, who doesn't seem to have a racist bone in his body, feels that he doesn't make a difference. I think he is misled. .. he seems to have made a big difference in Sally's life. He gave her an idea of what humans could be like if they weren't so prejudiced and unable to accept differences in others. Unfortunately, that probably won't be happening any time soon and Sally knows that she will continue to live in the world represented by Charlie and Kathy.