I like people watching. But I really like people watching when the people can't see me watching them. Some of the best people watching happens in a department store like Target. You see people buying oil for their car, and a funny banana magnet that they saw in the dollar section and it gave them a chuckle. But I also hate shopping. While I enjoy the retail therapy part of it, walking around and just seeing the colorful merchandise, it leaves me vulnerable. I am exposed to the small children that are too young to stay home alone while their mothers do their shopping at Target, or their dad's are at the pep boys getting new keys made. For those of you who just pointed out my gender stereotype, I'm not profiling, I'm just reflecting on my own individual experience that happens to go along with the social norms. Calm down.
Anyway, so I hate shopping. I like it, but I hate it. It's constant bombardment of children yelling "look at that girl mommy" while the mortified parents rush their children down another aisle. To that I say both, I understand, and shame on you. You're missing out on a golden opportunity for a teaching moment for your children. Your kids are going to encounter so many different people in their lives. People with physical, mental, emotional, intellectual any type of disability. And some day they could turn into a teen who makes fun of people they see, and a even an adult who makes remarks.
Don't even get me started when I have to go shopping in multiple stores in one day. Just another opportunity to find another bunch of folks who don't understand, don't want to understans, or who are just plain rude.
I really don't like kids. I won't say I hate them, but I REALLY don't like them. Don't get me wrong I will have a clan of my own some day and I will love them more than life itself. But I really don't like rude, obnoxious children. I don't mind the kids that are questioning because they are trying to understand. But the kids that are pointing, laughing, staring, and judging because it's something different from what they know so it's automatically funny? That royally ticks me off. And the parents that just ignore that pisses me off even more.
Imagine this. Everyone was 4 ft tall and you're towering at 6ft. Everything is made for people who are 4ft tall. Sounds fun at first. But when you're 80 years old with a cane and you need to bend way down to use the toilet, doesn't sound so fun anymore. Well imagine you're walking around in a store and some child yells "look at that big person mommy!" Or "ew look how tall they are!" Sounds kind of ridiculous right? Well when people do that to me only about how small I am, it's pretty ridiculous to me.
I want the same tampons, mac and cheese, car oil, and keys just like you. But everywhere I go, a big stage light is shown onto me.
I want to give you all a challenge. If you ever see a child staring at someone who maybe doesn't fit into the average mold, interact with that person. I'm not saying ask them about their life story, but say hi, remark on the weather. Show the child that this person is just like them.
Every day provides multiple learning opportunities. Chances to better ourselves and become more well rounded. Help others to take advantage of those chances.
That's enough preaching for today. Thanks for reading friends.
Peace, love, and otters,
Laura
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