On my way to bring Martin to his little gym class, I was behind a car decorated with bumper stickers that advocated everything I opposed. From politics to religion to the rule of law, it was me, but opposite. I followed this car all the way into the gym’s parking lot, and we parked next to each other. A woman got out with a boy about Martin’s age, who, when he saw us, called, “Hi! Didn’t I tell you that you were my friend last week?” to which Martin replied, “Yes! You were wearing a blue shirt!” They scampered in the door together, took off their shoes, and were off. Blue Shirt’s mother and I said friendly hellos, and aren’t-they-cutes, and then I prepared to leave.
But the aren’t-they-cute talk turned into a discussion of the beauty of 3 year olds making friends, then to why adults couldn’t hold on to that, then to the Jena 6 and the disparity in our country based on race and privilege . . .then to how we re-organized our lives to be home with our kids and how we felt about it . . .to . . . OK, now my little Chris just couldn’t bear the injustice of not being allowed on the trampoline any longer, and I really had to leave. But, barely breaking stride, she pulled out a toy train with eyes from her bag and Chris nearly collapsed with delight. That bought us some more time to get into the negative images of women in advertising . . .
Shame on me for that flicker in my mind wondering what kind of idiot could drive a car plastered with bumper stickers advocating that kind of crap. Well, she could, she does, and she happens to be a kindred spirit in motherhood. Go figure.
Truly intriguing experience.
So true! I am shockingly judgemental and write people off if they read the ‘wrong’ kind of books or listen to particular music (and this from a woman who still sings along to Wham). Am trying to be kinder but still, if you wear trackpants with a number across the bottom, I’ll probably give you a swerve.
I recently found out that one of my oldest and dearest friends now votes for the political party I believe to be the servants of all evil, so I’m learning that nice people can make bad – no different, I meant different! – choices
Ah beautiful, what a lovely moment. I love everyday epiphanies.
The only statement on our car is ‘I love beetles, bugs and butterflies.’
I have to say, I do have those judgemental moments as well. Bumper stickers tend to come off as self-righteous to me. “This is how I feel, and you should, too.” I don’t mind if people have differing opinions. Life would be no fun if we all agreed! But bumper sticker mentality irks me a bit. It can be surprising what’s under the surface, and it’s nice to be proven wrong once in a while.
I wondered where you got the “soap opera and sweatpants” kind of mom image in your Home section. I had that perception, I guess..before I became a mom… You just never know. If a mom is sweatpant wearin’ and soap opera watchin’….she prolly is folding laundry….which I can’t do when I comment or read blogs….and the state of my laundry room shows it.