Shaun's always been a child who says what he's thinking without any regard for how it may make another person feel. We're trying to teach him empathy and compassion so that he doesn't hurt someone's feelings by accident but I have to admire his honesty and innocence.
We went to the park after dinner tonight and there were a mess of other children there; most were under the age of 5. Shaun and another little boy were chasing each other on the playground; up the stairs and then down the slide and back to the stairs. This other little boy has just turned 2 1/2 but is pretty small for his age and isn't talking very much yet. Halfway up the stairs on their way to the slide Shaun stopped, turned to the little boy behind him and announced, "My name is Shaun, I have big eyes and your head is small."
I nearly fell off the park bench I was sitting on. Partly because it was true - this little guys head is small - but mostly because after that Shaun and this little boy continued playing with one another like nothing had just happened. I probably laughed louder and longer than I should have because afterall, that could be quite an insult for his mum but it was so innocent and neither boy thought much about the comment at all.
I wish the whole world was like that. I'd love to tell the obese woman in a motorized scooter to get up and walk and not fear being slugged if I tell someone their kid is a terror. People are too sensitive these days and it's pathetic. I have pretty thick skin I'd like to think. I'll admit that I defend a lot of statements that are made to me that are probably true but that's human nature. As long as you're honest, how can I argue with that? Really people!
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
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As for the obese women in the scooter, perhaps needing to be in the scooter is causing their obesity? Judging someone by their body is not at all cool.
And keep in mind, I'm obese and periodically have mobility issues. Of course, my obesity is caused by an endocrine disorder and my mobility issues are caused by my flat feet (my knees hate me periodically, and I've had to do crutches for awhile due to them). So, if you saw me sitting in a scooter, would you want to tell me I'm disgusting and need to get off my fat ass?
That said, I agree. I wish people didn't think it was insulting if I talk about "that one librarian with floofy hair" or "the one who talks really quietly." Or worse, if I mention that someone who is obviously at least 20 years older than me is, in fact, older than me. You can't describe people in less than complimentary terms without someone freaking out, and it's absurd.
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