Children can be cruel. It’s an age-old saying.
I don’t feel it excuses the behavior, but it is often offered up as a reason for the seemingly heartless behavior children display. In this day and age it has only multiplied with the addition of social media.
I think the only thing that could make this behavior worse is when it is directed at someone with a disability or disorder that is not within their control.
Nothing of late has made me so angry and happy at the same time as this story: To the Boys in the Restaurant I Caught Filming My Son With Tourette’s.
This story describes a mother having lunch with her husband and her son with Tourette’s Syndrome at a local restaurant.
She describes boys filming her son’s Tourette’s symptoms on their cell phones while the male adult sat by and allowed it.
It is a disturbing image she portrays of the cruelty of children and the ignorance of the adults responsible for them.
But, as upset as the description of this scene made me, it is the words of the protective mother that rang so true.
The description of her gifted, guitar-playing son and his resilience through his adversity was a strong reminder of how we all should be aware that those that are different are also wonderful in their own right.
I don’t think it’s her words as much as the quote included by her son that affected me.
This young man describes his understanding of the ignorance of those around him, but his desire for more understanding.
He also describes his talent as a guitar player and his desire to someday be the lead in a rock band. This strength and grace is something both young and old could all learn from.
To this young man and his mother, I say ROCK ON. You have inspired me and I hope your story can help others realize our actions do matter.
