So anyone who really knows me knows that I have a heart for children and animals. I think because they are vulnerable and because their love is pure and honest. I have always taken the stance that anyone who asks me an honest and fair question I will answer even if it comes from a child. I feel that education is the only way to combat the ignorance that people seem to have in reference to those with disabilities.
The other day I was getting out of the car and a young boy I know, who we will call David, approached me and asked without shame " Why do you use a wheelchair?"
His father stepped in right away before I could respond and said "David we don't ask that. It's not polite." He turned to me and says "I am sorry we are trying to teach him."
I responded "I'm not offended"
He says "He doesn't understand he doesn't mean to be rude."
I said again, "I am not offended. He asked a valid question in a very respectful way and deserves an answer." I explained that my legs do not work as well as his so I need the wheelchair to help me get around. David seemed satisfied with this answer and moved on to tell me about what he has been doing lately.
This issue has been a struggle for me because I am not offended by children's questions and I think it is better to answer their questions then to teach them that they should not ask them. When you create knowledge and understanding when children encounter someone with a disability or someone who is different from them they are less likely to discriminate against these people. However, I don't want to contradict or undermine a parent. I have information that parent does not know, asking a question like David did is not rude. It is the start of questioning, the start of understanding, the start of acceptance. If you take that away from a child they will not grow and they will grow up to be an adult who does not know how to seek knowledge and to question the world around them.
I wonder what would happen if we all took the time to understand those who are different from us? To learn from them and grow in our understanding of each other. Could we erase hate and bigotry? Could we create a kinder world for kids like David? Maybe the world would be a little safer too. Who wouldn't want that? Knowledge is the antidote I know of to hate.
