Yes, it is an ad, but it poses an interesting question. There is an interesting discussion in there but I will not elaborate on it in this first post as it would somewhat diminish the impact of the vid.
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Yes, it is an ad, but it poses an interesting question. There is an interesting discussion in there but I will not elaborate on it in this first post as it would somewhat diminish the impact of the vid.
Woah... that was some pretty powerful stuff right there. You're right, it does raise an interesting question. I think that applies to a lot of people, too- not just those who are handicapped. Everyone at some point in there life will always feel that it is better to hide because of some percieved inadequacy.
That was extremely moving. I first was struck with the realisation of how powerful and emotional a simple invitation to hug can be, breaking down the cold landscape of a modern city street, which although full of people and shoppers and seemingly life is a completely impersonal place, of people regarding each other with suspicion and imdifference, but once they realised what the person wanted, just a stupid hug, people suddenly became so receptive and open, and they were so happy to have someone to hug.
And then at the end, to see that the person in the suit had a physical handicap, and how would we percieve them if we saw them in the same place without the funny suit? if he had his arms open would we be as quick to hug him? Suspicion and prejudice would take over, maybe with pity for his "condition", but I know that I would almost certainly keep my distance, and dismiss him as soon as possible from my mind. Certainly has made me think, thanks for this.
And then at the end, to see that the person in the suit had a physical handicap, and how would we percieve them if we saw them in the same place without the funny suit? if he had his arms open would we be as quick to hug him? Suspicion and prejudice would take over, maybe with pity for his "condition", but I know that I would almost certainly keep my distance, and dismiss him as soon as possible from my mind. Certainly has made me think, thanks for this.
This one time, a friend and I were taking a walk in the park. And there was a kid in front of us strolling with his Dad. So my friend, being great with kids as he is, started goofing off with him and playing with him. We both realized that something was a bit.....off.... with him, like his mannerism were a little weird. At this point the father noticed us, smiled curtly and explained, "[paraphrasing since this was a couple years ago]He's a bit abnormal. We take him to a special school."
My friend shrugged and went back to playing with the kid unerred, but I stopped, and felt this immeasurable.... nausea, for lack of a better word... towards the father. Why? Because I could make out the subtle, but clear tone of apology in his voice. He sounded guilty of his son's disability and felt the need to explain himself. That literally sickened me.
Of course I just kept on walking since I didn't know him. And to be fair to him: I get it. He must face Constant prejudice aimed at his son in the backwards ass community I live in. I GET that he feels the need to lay the cards on the table, as it were......But I don't LIKE the way he did it. If nothing else, think about how the kid will feel hearing his dad "apologize" on his behalf all day. It'll become par for the course for him. That's horrible.
My friend shrugged and went back to playing with the kid unerred, but I stopped, and felt this immeasurable.... nausea, for lack of a better word... towards the father. Why? Because I could make out the subtle, but clear tone of apology in his voice. He sounded guilty of his son's disability and felt the need to explain himself. That literally sickened me.
Of course I just kept on walking since I didn't know him. And to be fair to him: I get it. He must face Constant prejudice aimed at his son in the backwards ass community I live in. I GET that he feels the need to lay the cards on the table, as it were......But I don't LIKE the way he did it. If nothing else, think about how the kid will feel hearing his dad "apologize" on his behalf all day. It'll become par for the course for him. That's horrible.
That made me sad, because it does give you a good question to ponder upon... The only reason he was hugged because they didn't know who he was or any problems they had...
Also, on a less serious note.
Also, on a less serious note.
Anything, or anyone, not conforming to the norm, i.e being normal, is somehow per definition abnormal, with all the ugly connotations that single word carries. There is this pervasive pressure to conform, e.g 2,4 kids, white picket fence etc, and any deviations shatters this, false, picture of "perfection". So if that is false, what other "truths" out there could turn out to be false? Hence, I believe, the fathers apologetic behaviour. Society has conditioned him to apologize for, somehow, raining on the parade of the normal people. As you said, it sucks, but I get him. I see where he is coming from.GrizzlerBorno said:
It is not so much about the hug, it is about people avoiding disabled people like they were contagious or something. I am sure you have seen it, disabled out in the public space, on a bus, on the subway, at an eatery, at the mall, etc, there seems to be this invisible bubble around them that seems to repel people. That is what this is about.-Drifter- said:
It is not like they are oblivious to their surroundings, that they do not see the glances. If you pardon me for butchering Shakespeare, "If you prick them do they not bleed? If you tickle them do they not laugh?" They are people too. We are all different, one way or the other, but fundamentally, we are all the same.
I do too, but I still don't think he should find the need to apologize for something that is not in any way either his, or his son's, fault. That's not what apologies are for.Logarithmic Limbo said:
"raining on the parade of the normal people"? what does that mean? If "normal people" feel legitimately offended by the very existence of an innocent child who momentarily breaks their personal picture of the world, because of an aspect of his being that is not of his choice......Hurray "normal people" are fucking dicks, who are
For context, let's say you disagree with me here. Let's say everyone else in the thread backs you up. Would you demand me to get on my knees, confess how gravely mistaken my outlook is and beg for forgiveness with teary eyes? Should I do it, if you did demand it? No, You wouldn't. No, I shouldn't (as I am entitled to my position, as much as you are to yours).
So NO, the dad shouldn't apologize. He could explain himself if someone explicitly or implicitly ASKED him about the oddness of his son. That's fine. But why the guilt in his voice?
eug I always hate things like this its what makes me doubt myself when I hold the door for sombody say in a wheelchair am I being good guy holding the door to help them or implying that they are incapable and therfore putting down there self esteme or offending them blahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh