I've learned a few things over the years. No matter how good you are there will ALWAYS be someone better. No matter how smart, someone smarter. So when I listen to those people who tell you exactly how it is going to be and close themselves off to anything new I shake my head.
People can be cruel, ignorant, bigoted, close minded, and down right mean. However people can be loving, intelligent, accepting, open to new things, and willing to help. The ability to love and care is what sets us above other creatures, as does the ability to hate and be cruel. Mark Twain said. "Of all the animals, man is the only one that is cruel. He is the only one that inflicts pain for the pleasure of doing it"- excerpt "The Lowest Animal.
I grew up an in area of Texas that catered to those of us that lived on fringe, the musicians, the punks, etc. yet even there we had those that would beat you to within an inch of you life simply because you were of a different color, dated someone of a different color, or associated with someone of a different color. This was man's cruelty to man for no other reason than they weren't the same. I spent years trying to teach people that was not the way to think of others. Why is it OK to be cruel just because someone is different? the answer: IT'S NOT.
Many of you have read my letter to my son. He has many friends but their are those when they are just with him they are his best friend. However, some other people come around and he is anathema. I know it bothers him...but he just looks at me and says "I understand Dad it's peer pressure and some kids can't stand up to it, but they will come back around and be my friend later again."
I was proud of this insight..one thing I have tried to instill in him is to be your own person. Don't waste time waiting for others to say " oh wow that's cool", only worry about it if you can say that to yourself and you know you are doing the right thing. Doing that and being your own person will take you farther into this life than anything else.
Acceptance of others is a hard lesson to learn, particularly if you are raised in a close minded environment. People grow up and can, if they are lucky, develop enough individuality and respect for others to see past differences, but it is better if they begin those lessons at home. Your son sounds like an intelligent, compassionate boy. He is lucky to have you guiding him.
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