tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4280699115353580302.post4141748947450865370..comments2022-03-16T21:01:48.155+11:00Comments on Life of an ordinary Aussie woman: Keep away from weirdos: Yes, I say this to my kids.Melanie J Nashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07281594081730475964noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4280699115353580302.post-64492167417144041892015-12-01T09:35:00.035+11:002015-12-01T09:35:00.035+11:00Awesome comment Joanna - love ya sister! May God a...Awesome comment Joanna - love ya sister! May God also protect you and yours xMelanie J Nashhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07281594081730475964noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4280699115353580302.post-37450143547326363642015-12-01T05:36:28.851+11:002015-12-01T05:36:28.851+11:00I do know you embrace the diversity. Which is why ...I do know you embrace the diversity. Which is why I tried not go nuts when I read your post :)<br />Weirdo is a really hurtful word for me. In the context I've seen, and felt it, used is to describe people with disabilities or psychological illnesses.<br />I did understand from your text you didn't mean that. But it was my first reaction. <br />I think it goes to the different use of English in Australia, opposed to Europe and US. I could not use the word the way you and your family use it. Because I'd always feel I'd be putting people down.<br />Words are such a powerful tool and we translate them to feelings and symbols in our minds. And when you relate a symbol to a word, it's hard to let go and unlearn it.<br />Which is also why it's so good to have contact with different people. And remind yourself that not everybody means the same as you do, even if they use the same word. There are so many interpretations and even when we speak the same language we don't really understand each other. We are just guessing what the other might have meant.<br />God bless you sister! And all the work you do. And may He keep your sons safe from all the weirdos and robbers!Kiittäkää Aina ja Kaikestahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12264486975627673705noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4280699115353580302.post-34191530506505093472015-11-30T08:34:54.732+11:002015-11-30T08:34:54.732+11:00I like your word 'robbers' Joanna and that...I like your word 'robbers' Joanna and that's what 'weirdos' is for us in our home.<br />A weirdo is someone who makes us feel unsafe, it does not mean someone who is different or disabled; which is why I said we don't name call in our house. I think the word has evolved here but perhaps possibly not where you guys live. I embrace diversity and disability in my home just as you do too (which I think you'd know from posts I share) and I believe my boys have adopted the same attitude :)Melanie J Nashhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07281594081730475964noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4280699115353580302.post-20227640547908695222015-11-30T07:21:21.031+11:002015-11-30T07:21:21.031+11:00I work with disabled people, so this is a tough po...I work with disabled people, so this is a tough post for me. In our family we talk about robbers. That's the word for child molesters or actual thieves and everything else in between.<br />But I have also made sure (as much as I have been able to) that he shouldn't keep away from people just because they are different from us. I've tried to teach him that people may look different and act different but be as good friends to him as anyone else. And they must be treated with respect.<br />But I also teach him to keep away from people he feels threatened by. Those that make him feel uncomfortable and act in the way you say. The people that are just too interested, or too friendly or are actually threatening.Kiittäkää Aina ja Kaikestahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12264486975627673705noreply@blogger.com