So, this last weekend was outdoor nationals. We were at Marina Park in Huntington Beach. In a Flashback moment, I remember the people bitching about this particular location because of the amount of homeless people and the amount of gangs in the area. Well, this weekend, Ian and Lexi met Gang members kids...:(
Now, here is what I don’t understand. As a gang member, you are dressing (at least these particular areas) in your oh so hot looking white wife beater shirt, your shit pants (that’s what I call them because they look like you took a load in your pants), and your white socks up to your knees and your shinny black shoes...more than likely you've got the bald head, and various "tough guy" tats up and down your arms and chest and back, and wherever else I don’t want to know about. Why doesn't having children change these people? Is it just that easy being a gang banger? And for the love of god, why would you want to project that kind of image and the responsibilities and "adultness" that come along with dressing that way?
Where does this come from? Well, we were at the Marina, and here come Mom and Pop Gangbangers with their kids down to the water to start splashing around. Thank god I had my sunglasses on because I didn't want them to see I was starring at them in disbelief as here comes little gangbanger in his mini tough guy outfit. Complete with gold chain! Maybe I just haven't driven by the "thug life for generations" clothing store, but good god. It was truly disappointing to know that that kid probably has no chance in reversing the destructive lifestyle his parents lead, and keeping it from projecting into his own life.
So, back to Ian and Lexi's earlier encounter at the park: Ian is the most fun, loving, friendly kid. Always wanting to make "friends" and hang out and be friendly. He has never encounter (and pardon the French, it might be tough to call a kid this but that’s what they were) assholes at his young age, but here he was being pushed around the slides, and the sandbox. These were gang bangers kids. Their parents were off doing something else in a huge make you uncomfortable group. (Is their going to be a drive by later?)
I saw his face. It broke my heart. Confusion, fear, betrayal, all looks in a Childs eye that should not be there while playing peacefully with people he considered "friends".
Am I delving too much into it? Am I creating a Mountain out of a Mole Hill. I don’t think so. Today Ian informs me that "The kids hate me". I said "what kids honey". "The Kids at the park." "Which kids?" "The kids at the racquetball park, they hate me. They hit me and pushed me." Talk about a crushing blow to a parent to hear their extremely friendly 3 year old talk about what should always be a pleasant thing,...going to the park. Now you could also ask, well where were you? We were there. About 20 yards away. Willie witnessed this and quickly ran over.
I think it shook him to his core. Yesterday at kids club while Momma was in her League, Ian bit another little boy. The lady at the desk said they had been "confrontational" all evening, but Ian didn't need to bite him. He didn't break skin and she promptly put him in time out. I have yet to hear from him why he did it, though I’m sure like the park incident it will come out later.
My response: I have totally delved him into everything that a childhood should be filled with, and totally without responsibilities or cares in the world other than which train he wants to play with, vs. why is this kid hitting me. We have not watched a single adult cartoon that we normally enjoy (futurama, and Simpsons are his favorites), but rather immersed him in all things kid. He's my little chunko, and so help me god, until the day that it should come, he will always be free to be carefree, and a kid without the projections of adulthood.