Let’s be blunt here.
If you feel compelled to insult a child you don’t know in a public restroom, you probably need to seek help.
If not for your own well-being, then for the sake of the other child, presumably your son, who witnessed your bullying.
For those not aware of the context, we refer to a recent incident in the public bathroom at Lanes bowling alley in Membertou, Cape Breton, where eight-year-old Linden Lafford — who’d gone in alone — was mocked by an adult stranger accompanied by a boy.
According to Linden, whose hair is in a braid, the man said he looked “like a girl” and his long hair was “ugly.”
Obviously, it’s none of this man’s business how anyone else chooses to wear their hair. And belittling a child is indefensible. But that’s how bullies operate.
According to Linden’s mother, Mary, the Potlotek First Nation boy was unusually subdued when he returned from the bathroom that day. Later, at home, she found him with a pair of scissors, apparently intent on snipping off his beloved braid.
Mary shared the incident on Facebook. What happened next is a testament to the power of kindness and community.
Not only did thousands of people from all over North America react to her post, Mary says she received a flood of supportive direct messages, from “all different tribes.” They sent pictures of their own long hair and encouraged Linden to wear his braid, an important part of his heritage, with pride.
Mi’kmaw elder Stephen Christmas of Eskasoni sent Linden a photo of his own long braid and met with the boy. The two formed an instant bond.
Richard Paul, Membertou’s chief operating officer, stated the facility didn’t condone the comments made, and invited Linden, his family and friends back this weekend.
Buoyed by the support, the Potlotek youngster now says he may not cut his hair for decades.
Bravo, Linden.
The social scourge of bullying long predates the pandemic, of course.
But even governments have noticed how the pressures of ongoing public restrictions have brought out — at least in some people — an increase in rude attitudes, comments and behaviour.
Various public announcements in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador have encouraged people to remember to be kind to one another.
Happily, kindness seems to be alive and well, as shown by the support shown Linden, and the thousands of unpublicized good words and deeds that occur every day across our region.
Bullying can never stop that.
