It's still early today and so my observations this day are founded by postings on Facebook, especially those relating to presumed child abuse and reporting to authorites there of.
Before everyone gets their bloomers in a bind, be advised that I am not in favor of any child being abused; however before we all start calling in authorities and social services and condeming the presumed abuser take a moment and consider this.
One or a few minutes of observing what one considers child abuse is only a "snipet" of the whole story. It is a very stressful time in our lives today. The post says the man "abuser" was walking, presumably from the store with his small children in tow and was carrying milk. He may have been walking because he had no automobile. He may be caring for the children because his spouse was working, and he was not. He may be carrying milk because it was the only thing he could afford.
The described event is not a desirable parenting action. This is very true, but if the whole story is known it may have been an act of desperation and frustration. Does this parent need another straw (in this case about twenty straws) thrown on the camels back?
Perhaps an offer of assistance would be more helpful and kind. Sometimes a helping hand is the only thing needed but that happens less not more. Kindness to strangers is all but an obselete thing in these days for fear of "becoming involved" or fear of also becoming attacked.
Speaking of kindness brings up another issue that I find offensive. There are many jokes and even YouTube songs about the shoppers at WalMart, degrading the shoppers who are overweight, dressed in clothing less than we would wear, wearing make-up or jewelry that we would not and in any way different from the general public. It isn't bullying, but speaks of self thinking "I am better than you". And I can make fun of you.
Come on people.....LETS CALL FOR A BE KIND TO EVERYONE WEEK, and remember we are no better than our thoughts:)
2 comments:
i SO agree! your consideration of that situation reminds me of a meditation exercise practicing 'active compassion'.
I also agree, Peggy. Having spent a year working the Dependency Unit, where we had to deal with cases where children were, or were soon going to be, removed from thier parents I got to witness firsthand what not looking at the "whole picture" or being a little compassionate to a parent who is doing thier best, can result in. Yes, often the children we dealt with needed to be removed from thier parents homes due to neglect or abuse, but we would also get those ones where someone made a call after observing that snippet in a families lives. The parents then had to spend the next several months proving they were fit and acceptable. In some cases they did not get to live with or even visit thier children. More people need to make the effort to hold out a helping hand rather than condemning a family after just a moments observation...
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