Where Have All the Flowers Gone

The recent press reports on the treatments that our children been receiving from their caregivers and authority figures were rather disturbing. It didn't help when some held this 'mind your own business' attitude towards these shocking revelations. Don't they realise that horrendous crimes against humanity took place because people kept silent and glossed over seemingly small acts of abuses which eventually culminated into acts of atrocities?!

The Sunday Times carried an article on the 10 year-old boy who incurred the wrath of parents for... winning the track and field events. As he is unusually tall for his age, his build gives him an advantage over his competitors. His winning streak caused other parents to see red and it was reported that they booed, jeered, insulted and accused him of cheating. Some went as far as writing to the press and the education ministry to register their displeasure. A parent was even reported as saying that the boy "created so many outstanding records" that "there won't be any child who would be able to break them". But what is really saddening is that the boy was so traumatised by the negative attention that he had to hide in the toilet prior to the races.

I wonder if these parents are aware that this boy is flesh and blood with hopes and dreams just like their own children. For if someone were to put their child down and hurled insults and accusations like the way they did, would they take it lying down? And what kind of emotional damage would be inflicted on them as a parent, as well as on their child? Even if the boy is not really 10 years old and has "hair on his legs", did he really deserve the humiliating treatments the parents heaped on him? Were they really angry at him because he was perceived as cheating or were they angry that he had robbed their own children of the chance of winning? I also wonder if they realised what kind of role model they are setting in their children's eyes when they heaped scorns on a person receiving his prize or medal, justified or not. If they really have an issue, at most they don't have to offer applause. But to jeer and hurl abuses are way out of line!

I would have thought that if a "giant" were to win a competition in place of my child, it would be a wonderful opportunity to share the story of David and Goliath, or inculcate the importance of some life skills - such as winning is not everything in life. Alas, the ugliness of humanity rears its ugly head in this sad story. I just hope that this boy will emerge stronger and wiser from these unpleasant episodes and no permanent scarring takes place in his young heart. As for the children of these 'sore-loser' parents, may they emulate these negative qualities and grow to be champions in their own rights.