Some of your comments made me think about how and why I started talking to the homeless guys. I had to think about it for a minute and then I remembered what I did.
They both had scooters. One was a very nice scooter. As I walked by I said that I always wanted to try a scooter but it was too late now. So that got them talking about scooters. From there the conversation just went on like any normal conversation.
A few years ago the same thing happened with skate boarders. Skate boarders seem to be a rough bunch who don't seem to care about anything or anybody. I had seen these kids on my regular walk. One day as I went by they were stopped.
I just told them that I admired their skill. That gave them an opportunity. They wanted to talk about skate boards. I heard about the length and shape of skate boards. I heard about the proper place to put your foot for a certain maneuver.
I was very surprised at how technical skate boarding was. So I learned a few things about skate boarding but most of it went over my head.
I also learned about a group of people and some of them were not like I thought they were.
There are some groups of people who get some bad press. One of those groups is the elderly.
Glad you had a good chat with the skateboarders. Maybe they won't think elderlings are so bad since you talked with them! Linda in Kansas
ReplyDeleteMost of these are very good kids.
DeleteThat is a nice surprise to make connections with people you wouldn't normally meet or hang out with.
ReplyDeleteI taught middle school for 37 years so It's easier for me to make judgements on who you talk to. some people you just have to leave alone.
DeleteJust proves that communication..and community...are vital
ReplyDeleteI think all groups should mix.
DeleteThis reflection is a wonderful reminder of the power of simple, sincere conversation. By showing curiosity and offering a kind word, you broke down barriers and discovered shared humanity. Whether with skateboarders or the homeless, you showed that connection often begins with listening — and that people are often kinder and more interesting than stereotypes suggest.
ReplyDeleteI really like your last sentence.
DeleteMaybe the Canadian government should employ you as a special negotiator for dealing with terrorists! After all, we are all human.
ReplyDeleteOops! I don't hang out with terrorists. I communicate with homeless and skaters but I don't hang out with them.
DeleteThe elderly are mostly invisible, their life experience uninteresting and unconvincing to the gilded young. Being elderly starts around the age of 45, I think!
ReplyDeleteIt's funny how you think. I still don't think of myself as elderly.
DeleteI never tried skateboarding as a kid. They are amazing to watch.
ReplyDeleteTake care, enjoy your day!
Skateboarding is rough but then teens are pretty rough and physical.
DeleteTaking the time to talk and listen is the key!
ReplyDeleteMany times they seem to want to tell you things.
DeleteInteresting conversations, Red. I don't think of myself as being different from other people just because I'm old, but I guess we do get some bad press.
ReplyDeleteHey, I don't think of myself as elderly
DeleteI think you just talk to everybody! No judgement of appearances or their humanity.
ReplyDeleteBe careful. there are some people you leave alone.
DeleteThere's a lot to be said for simply talking to people and learning about them, isn't there? Unfortunately I'm very bad at this myself. Living in a big city, I usually "keep on my blinders" and ignore everyone around me.
ReplyDeleteIn many cases it's a wise thing to mind your own business. I live in a smaller city.
DeleteStereotypes for any group are usually wrong in some ways. Once a person gets to know or, like you did, talk to individuals, it's good to find out that people might be nicer than you might suspect. Of course, there are good and bad everywhere but we can't just assume. I remember the saying, "when you "assume", you make an "ass" out of "u" and "me"!
ReplyDeleteI've heard your saying but had forgotten about it.
DeleteStereotypes, eh.
ReplyDeleteStereotypes are hard to fight.
DeleteI think you have a special talent REd. You can talk to anyone, I think you show interest in people and ask questions...and they answer you...good way to make many connections. My other baby brother is the same way, he can talk to anyone rich poor young old...it is a gift.
ReplyDeleteThere are people you have to leave alone.
DeleteRed,
ReplyDeleteA kind word opened up the door,
To scooters, boards, and something more.
A simple nod, a true “well done,”
Turned strangers into everyone.
For skill and soul aren’t bound by age—
We’re all just stories on the page.
And when we choose to stop and see,
We meet the world more honestly.
John
Honesty is most important. Present yourself as you are. Most people can tell if you're faking it.
DeleteAwe what a beautiful and marvellous poem dear John 👍 the page and story wow incredible 🥰
DeleteJohn of John's Island says it so beautifully: "A kind word opened up the door"
ReplyDeleteI'm amazed at how much John produces.
DeleteI used to skateboard in the 70s. The last time is skateboarded, I broke my collarbone so that was enough for me. :)
ReplyDeleteI stepped on a skate board once and was amazed at how tricky they were.
DeleteI think you need to be smart enough to ask a leading question. After that, conversation is easy..
ReplyDeleteYes, you can hook people when they have to respond.
DeleteTwo very good posts, Red. You're on a roll.
ReplyDeleteI loved the feel of this post dear Red ♥️
ReplyDeleteYes this was the real world I knew once ,people were open to talk to passerby and would not hesitate sharing what they had or helping others
Now world and it’s inhabitants seem to live under the cover of fear and doubts sadly
Society should be the way you shared here 😊