Resolutions. People make them, break them, forget them until its time to make some more then lament that they didn’t keep the ones they had made the year before, but will try “harder” this coming year. I never make them. First because of said reasons listed previously but because I choose to live my life in the here and now and not so much in the “if only”. I am among those who can use a weight loss for health reasons and I’m working on that..but it’s already been in the works, so not so much in the resolution category. I guess I could resolve to clean up my language because some people do not approve when I use the “F” word, but then that is their issue not mine because some situations just seem to call for the use of that word. I’ll just keep on doing what I’m doing…whether anyone approves or not.
So here is the thing. I was out and about today, making some returns for a gift that didn’t fit for one that was more suitable, one that didn’t work for something else, and met up with family at iHOP for a late breakfast. We waited until a friend of my daughter’s had a table open since he is a prompt, courteous worker and less likely to piss me off at not having things done my way(yes, I know..control issues, AND?). So we are seated next to someone we have met before, but doesn’t remember us(we can tell by the “I know ya’ll from somewhere” look on her face), and her husband and her 3 daughters. She is in fact a woman associated with a group of Girl Scouts down toward Tishomingo/Iuka area and helped organize a flash mob dance for the girls earlier in the year, which could have been better had it been more thought out. She helped teach them dance steps to Lady Gaga’s “Born this way”. Anyway, they are finishing as we are seated and gathering our order. As they go to leave our server, who was also their server brought their check, went to cash it out and since they had a gift card, he needed a signature. He handed the pen to the man who signed it and the server walked away. The woman says to her husband”Do you need some hand sanitizer to wash away the gay cooties?” WTF?!?!?! Seriously? I looked at my daughter who looked back at me as if to say “Did she just say what I think she said?” She again speaks to her husband, in front of their children mind you, “I wouldn’t want you to turn gay”. They leave. Now I ask you what the hell kind of example to show their children was that? They lost any kind of teaching moment to explain to their children that people should be respected at all times. the Girl Scouts have an anti-bullying policy so I was more than a little shocked and dismayed that someone who works with them in a leader capacity would show such a callous disregard for others in a public forum. I’m thinking to myself. did she not even listen to the words of that song she was teaching the girls?
I’m beautiful in my way
‘Cause God makes no mistakes
I’m on the right track baby
Cause I was born this way
So resolutions for the asshats who have no concept about being the change they want to see in the world:
1. Treat people with the respect you wish to be afforded to yourself. None of us are perfect, and we all are granted the inalienable right to live as we choose.
2. Stop trying to make others feel as if their sexuality, religion, race is less than yours(see #1 above).
3. Teach your children that they are a member of the human race. We all are. If they are going to join organizations that teach compassion for others, then damn well make it a point to live it. May I suggest going back and reading the GS promise and laws? Might be an eye opening experience for you.
4. People in the service industry often make the bulk of their money on tips. If you come in with children(especially the 3 you had with you), and walk out without leaving a tip for the server because you had ignorant ideas about his sexuality, then might I suggest you keep your fine dining out at McDonalds? The server in question was actually working on one of his precious days off because with all the after holiday traffic, the restaurant was swamped and he is damn good at his job.
5. And lastly, reconsider your motives for becoming a leader of impressionable children. You set the example . Our world is filled with examples of how children should not be treated, of hate being perpetuated over and over again by those who’s fears keep the cycle going. Showing your ignorance in your words and actions and then dragging your kid to church somewhere does nothing to instruct them in what true love really is.
So while I don’t make resolutions, may I suggest one for us all. If we truly want one that is doable and worthwhile..make it about love. Respect for others even if you don’t agree with how they live their life, and compassion for others. Set the bar high for those who walk in your footsteps. We all could use a little more of that positive coming back our way in the new year.
Ah yes, the bigoted mind that believes it is free. lol. I rode the bus in college because it gave me an extra hour of study time. I regularly rode with a group of Downs Syndrome adults on their way home from work. While standing in line with them a “gentleman” behind me commented that ‘Those retards are in the way, it would be better if they were in an institution.” My normally quiet Piscean nature exploded with my mothers Ariesian fury — ‘Those people have just as much right to be here as you do, perhaps YOU should spend some time in an Institution.’ I will never forget the wide-eyed shock on his face – I am sure that he expected agreement to his unfortunate comment. – We are all part of The One – how sad when we don’t recognize ourselves.