uninfected pure mind

[stevie1time]

Something happened to me today,that brought back a memory and experience from years ago....I was at the Birmingham childrens hospital with my nephew and family,i was only 16 years old myself,but we were in the waiting area where there was a large play section..I recall kids running around as they do,when a young couple came in with their daughter who was seriously disfigured.all the kids there were under five,i remember one little boy going up to this girl,looked at her slightly puzzled for a moment and then asked if she wanted to play and all of them started doing what kids do,having fun!!! The thing that stuck in my mind for all these years was that the only people that were Stare'ing(cant think how you spell it?)and whispering were the Adults....

[EngTeach]

I have witnessed things like this numerous times during my career. Even with the older ones I teach now. I always have believed that all types of prejudices are learned. Kids are so innocent.

[Ice.Maiden]

You're right Legend. I regularly see a little boy who suffers with the worst skin problems you could imagine. I notice that it's the ignorant parents who just stare, or whisper. This's alienated the parents of this child somewhat, and it's been left up to ME to explain that no - it's not catching, and it's perfectly alright for your children to play with him. How sad.

[Ice.Maiden]

Not all, but if you don't set your kids a good example, they're going to grow into the evil adults you've just mentioned.

[boobesque]

Adultts stare at my son far more than kids ever do, kids generally ask why he is on wheels!

[crazymum]

This is soooo true! Children have no concept of age, sex, creed, colour or any kind of 'disfigurement' or disability. They also have no concept of nastiness or the ability to lie up until the age of 4 or 5. What they see say and so are all totally innocent and have no mallicious content whatsoever! Its ace. Why cant we stay like that as we grow older?? Wouldnt the world be a better place?
My little one (4yrs) walked up to a lady who was running a playgroup and was a dwarf?? not sure if thats the pc word and asked why she was small and was she an oopalumpa as she had watched the film, the lady laughed said no, explained the situation and with that my daughter said oh, ok and took her hand and went into playgroup with her!!