This week’s comment on media stories bringing the #TealPumpkinProject to the masses has provided much amusing reading! Today, I read one woman’s comment: “No thanks! I’ll keep my pumpkin orange”! Hum, I don’t recall anyone asking her to change her pumpkin color. Then I read about the “nerve of entitled parents asking us to stop Halloween candy”. Hum, again. I don’t recall the Teal Pumpkin Project asking folks to stop anything. It seems that our culture might have confused a grassroots effort–by the people and for the people with some sort of government civil liberty conspiracy?! The real threat here is that I believe our culture lacks of education and they lost the ability to have compassion for others–especially when they feel inconvenienced. These are just theories with me trying to understand the crazy comments beyond the fact that many people are unhappy and need to vent somewhere on something. The true lesson here is that we need to educate stronger, clearer and harder and encourage compassion.
Tools I use to educate
The beauty of the negative comments, beyond providing a chuckle over some seriously fine examples of human stupidity, is that the opportunity and need for education is exposed. From my belief system viewpoint, I also believe this is a HUGE example of our need to teach and act with compassion. I was raised to help the elderly, open doors and support those around me when they need a hand. But…I’m feeling that maybe we’ve moved away from this. Some people seem to be missing the glorious point that the Teal Pumpkin Project is ADDING TOYS (yes, those little things that kids live and breath for) to Halloween. In addition to bringing compassion and inclusion. That’s the real message.
Nutfree, eggfree, dairyfree chocolate caramel apple cupcake!
So, when someone trashes the beautiful #TealPumpkinProject but sure to dis-engage and look at them for who and what they are: either confused, needing education, compassion and happiness. Then, go pick up that yummy and luscious allergen cupcake and enjoy it while you mull over what toys to hand out to excited children on Halloween night!
Thank you Becky Basalone from the East Tennessee Food Allergy Support Group for your brilliant idea and to FARE for using their resources to help promote this grassroots effort nationwide.
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One of the hardest things I find about managing both life threatening food allergies and asthma is talking to others. I hate to be the one that might be perceived as demanding, pushing or for asking too much. What I now know, fourteen years later, is that honest, clear information presented with kindness works!..
I hear you, Caroline! I’ve shared it all over, and I don’t even celebrate Halloween (though sometimes we do hand out candy when we’re home, and have planned on handing out as “allergy-friendly” candy as we can find this year if we’re going to be home)! I seriously think people need to stop and think for a minute. For those who are calling for “equality” and “rights” the loudest, it seems like they only mean it if they are not being inconvenienced. It’s just sad. 🙁 Have a heart, people…and even if you DON’T have a teal pumpkin in front of your house, at least CONSIDER having some safer treats to hand out so everyone can join in the fun that wishes to. 🙂
Beautiful post Caroline! Your posts are always helpful and insightful.