The other night I was out buying groceries and I heard some giggles and chuckles around the corner and as I pushed my cart forward a mother, somewhat distracted, came around the it. No doubt she was heavily concentrated on how to make her dollar go as far as possible and behind her, the owners of the giggles and chuckles showed themselves. A daughter about 13 and a son of perhaps 11. They were playing with a most absurd looking ball that look more like a sea anemone than a ball.
Their enjoyment brought a smile to my lips and I felt uplifted seeing children of that age enjoying themselves in such an innocent manner. But before I could draw my eyes away the daughter flipped a knowing look at her brother and stopped behind their mother who was carefully studying the prices on variety of brands. She then made a most obscene gesture with the toy, directed at her mother. She chortled aloud in delight at the woman's ignorance of the insult just played on her. The very woman who is raising her and most likely gave her birth.
My eyes lighted on the face of the younger old son. His eyes caught mine and I did not relent, I did not pretend I had not seen what I had seen. I held his eyes in mine. For a brief second I saw in his eyes the realization of the shame of what he had just participated in. Then he squared his shoulders, defiance filled his eyes and he turned to play again with his sister. They continued to follow her, giggling as they once more so innocently threw this weird ball back and forth.
I saw them once more that evening, but I did not delight any longer in their seemingly childish and delightful entertainment as I had seen the mark of today's pornographic society on their play. It saddened me greatly and many times since then that little boy's eyes have haunted me. Let us all remember our youth that is being bombarded by society's idolization of the body and of sex and pray for them as we go throughout the day.
Monday, August 28, 2006
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3 comments:
Villages really do raise kids - for both good and bad. I've photographed members of our meeting from the very old to the just born, and it is amazing how early kids become completely taken by fashion magazine images, little kids striking model poses... Well, on the other hand, yesterday I was photographing one of our littlest members, oh she must be about three, with one of her non-Quaker friends in the park. They get along wonderfully, but it is amazing how quickly a kid can go from being a best friend to ... well... Our little Friend decided that she wanted to play with a toy shopping cart the other had, and so (she is not very verbal) she placed a hand on it and looked determinedly at the other little fellow. The other kid, without a moment's hesitation walloped her in the head. She simply tightened her grip and looked twice as determined ... and I wondered if she had already internalized that Quakers don't hit.
By the way, that spiky ball sounds horrible! Folks seem so intent on silly innovations, what is wrong with the perfection of a nice round, smooth ball? Seems much nicer to me... Oh well... I must say, my great disappointment is the state of language in the States. I still remember a time before every word out of people's mouths in public was not a vile curse that would have made a sailor blush, now as soon as kids begin to talk, they are cussing away where ever they find themselves ... it is just so ugly! I've actually changed my seat in a diner because of the vile nature of the vocabulary at the next table ... I generally eat most meals alone, and eating alone it is hard to ignore the awful language at the next table, and I find it ruins the pleasure of my meals. I have a friend in England who is known to stand up, go over to the people cussing and say, "Would you mind modifying your vocabulary, you are in the presence of people who find that offensive." I don't know if that would work in New York ... but it may be worth a try.
Well put!!! We should all try this and make a statement...but then agin we might not live too long if we do...Lorcan you have it!
I must have given someone an unconscious look... Yesterday, at the dinner, someone said something foul, I looked up reflexively, perhaps more of a sad look, certainly not an angry look, and maybe it was the Quaker plain dress, some folks take me for either Amish or a minister, the fellow looked surprised covered his mouth and apologized. Maybe there is hope. =) The power of the doleful look!
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