The other day at our library’s story time, the storyteller Miss Elizabeth performed a finger puppet show with monkeys and alligators. You know the one that goes…



Five little monkeys swinging in the tree

Teasing Mr. Alligator

Can’t catch me

Along came Mr. Alligator

Quiet as can be

And snapped that monkey right out of that tree.



The minute Miss Elizabeth’s alligator puppet ate the monkey puppet, Jacob started crying and crying and crying. He was inconsolable. I quickly picked him up and carried him to the back of the room when a ultra-trendy daddy glanced up from the book he was reading and said, "That is the most 'emo' little boy I have ever met."

I am guessing “emo” means emotional, gag. I proudly responded, "Yes, we sure got lucky. He is very compassionate."

The very minute my words left my lips, I realized that I was getting that disapproving stare and “emo” was a bad thing. An Awkward Moment, to say the least. That second part of me wanted to kick him in the face for judging, but then the other part felt guilty for once sailing in the same sea of ignorance, B.J. ("Before Jacob," my son).  I remember thinking that little boys are suppose to be one way--tough. When I encountered otherwise, I would roll my eyes, stick my finger down my throat to gag myself, and then say to myself, "That poor boy is shark bait."

On more than one occasion, I remember walking away from a sensitive boy and having a serious concern for his future; how is he going to stand up to the bullies of the world? Now, I think of boys differently. They should be confident and compassionate, social enough to make friends but just as comfortable being alone. I understand that there are bullies out there and Jacob will encounter plenty, but as long as he has a good understanding of human nature and a great understanding in karate, he will be just fine. What’s your take?

Shanna Riemer writes Riemerville.