what would you do?

STORY TIME.

Gather round kids, I've got an interesting story for ya.

I totally felt like I was in an episode of What Would You Do, hosted by John Quinones. Have you ever seen that show? I felt like maybe he was hiding in an unmarked black van in the parking lot outside. Maybe hidden cameras were disguised in Paradise Bakery registers or trash cans in the corner?

It was a typical shopping day for me at the mall in the early 2000's. I was on the upper level heading back toward the food court to get a drink refill at Chick-fil-a, where I approached a little girl, maybe 5 years old, unattended. First, I was shocked that she was just standing there alone with no adult in sight that could claim her. Then I got really appalled when I heard more distinctly what she was chanting so loudly, almost a yell. Racial comments about the black women standing in line at Chick-fil-A. There was this little blond girl, repeating the same phrase, over and over and sometimes pointing in the direction of the women.

I looked around and EVERYONE knew how inappropriate this behavior was and how crazy it was that she was there, alone. EVERYONE was whispering and shaking their heads as they ate their lunch, but no one tried to talk to the little girl, except me. I drove closer to her and said something like, "Sweetie, shhh. What you are saying is not nice. Where is your mom or dad? What you are saying can hurt people's feelings." I looked around feeling helpless, thinking, should I request security, as she kept opening her mouth. I seriously didn't know what to do.

This little girl started walking away toward her adults finally. I approached the women in line and apologized to them on behalf of the unbelievable scenario. It's obvious that this girl's guardians are teaching her to be this way and how sad that made me that day. Such thinking is learned.

I don't know why I this incident came up in my mind in the last week, but I thought it would be blog-worthy. It's just a good reminder to me to be more kind, to be more considerate, to stand up for what is right even if no else is and to love more. Wouldn't you agree those are important, especially around this time of year? Can you imagine how more postitively people would react? The world would certainly be brighter.

Like John would ask, what would you do if you were in a similar situation?

what the shenanigans?

I kinda have a crush on Anderson Cooper of CNN. Ok ok,I do! I know he's like in his mid-40's, but the guy is so handsome & has a compassionate heart. He actually went to Haiti himself to help & report of the aftermath of their devastating earthquake, remember that? Have you heard of his RidicuList segment? It's pretty darn funny because the stuff is ridiculous yet gives you the chance to form your own opinion.

Well, I thought i'd come up with my own ridiculist but i'm gonna call it the  

what the shenanigans?

I just read this article on yahoo about teenagers getting drunk from hand sanitizer? whhaaa? i've heard of kids getting drunk from taking too much cough syrup (sad. really sad.) but hand sanitizer? Don't these kids have something better to do?! I can come up with a whole lotta POSITIVE things that they could be doing other than harming their bodies. 

Note: It's not that "cool" to get drunk kids, especially when going this route! It also makes me think, where are the parents? I am not a parent [yet], but it seems that the current generation kids as a whole are a bit less respectful, a bit more lost, and a bit more  'grown up' at their age of say, 12, compared to in the 90's when I was 12. Even toddlers are getting away with crimes and getting what they want ALL THE TIME. I've seen it! 

To me, it seems parents are afraid to say NO and set limits for their kids. Or maybe it's because they are too 'busy' to invest quality time with their children. I understand that there are single parents out there doing the best they can, but a little goes a long way. Even an adult family member or friend, or Big Brother/Big Sister mentor can help motivate & influence these teens to make better choices and see just how amazing they are without risking their lives or health. These parents want to be 'the best friend' instead of the responsible adult who of course loves them, but establishes rules & boundaries. Sorry to go on a rant, but i think it's true.