Puppies and babies are cute. Fuzzy ducklings and sparkly flip-flops are cute.
This morning as I was driving around, our local radio station was talking about how some of its listeners celebrated their 100th birthdays. Some played golf, once woman in a pink suit had a birthday party at McDonald's, and one served meals at a soup kitchen. (Well, I made that one up.) The radio personnel viewed pictures of these listeners. One female DJ repeatedly said, "It's the cutest thing I've ever seen." Over and over again. It started to irritate my sensibilities.
How come each of these centenarians was described as being "cute"? Do we usually describe adult birthday revelers as being so cute? I found it a little offensive. I'm not easily offended, but by the time I heard this three or four times I wanted to call the radio station and complain. I have no idea if I'll want to be called cute when I'm 100, but I don't think so. Maybe if I'm wearing some sparkly flip-flops or am holding my great-grandchild. It seemed patronizing in these cases, though.
One time my mom and I were out somewhere and observed a daughter and elderly mother together. The daughter talked to her mom like she was a little child. I know sometimes older adults have dementia and need extra explanation for some things, but I think you can give someone simple instructions without expressions like "criss-cross applesauce" and "come on now, little fella."
I need to see these birthday pictures. Maybe they really are all "the cutest thing I've ever seen." I'll let you know.
We're a happy little family of 5 who have been blessed. God has given us each other, our family and friends, and most importantly, with His only son Jesus who died for us. Jesus was adopted by Joseph, don't ya' know!
3 comments:
I have mixed feelings....
I think that a lot of older folks are cute...but then I'd use that to describe people my age, and also children. I think it's a lot about the TONE here....."Oh what a CUTE older lady that is, she always has the best style!" and "Oh wook at the wittle old wady, she's so cutesy wootsy!!" are seperate things, of course!!
Treating the elderly like infants is never ok! Course I'm not an insane fan of baby talk even to CHILDREN, so.....
Americans are the worst at treating the elderly with disrespect. My Korean mother-in-law is constantly turned off by Americans' attitudes towards their elders.
Yep - tone for sure, Jess.
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