A while ago, one of my friends and I
had an interesting conversation. We thought we were talking about our favourite
show and then we realized that she was talking about Black-ish and I was
talking about Blacklist (without “The” article). It was amazing how we were
listening so intently and yet, we were listening to most likely our own excited
voices!
And
anyone who has seen both the shows will know that it is very challenging to
confuse one with the other. I did end up watching a couple of episodes of
Black-ish after that and I was enlightened.
A few days ago, it was the season
finale of The Blacklist. A few minutes in and actors from the show started
popping up on my TV screen in quarantine mode. I was a little disoriented and
then found out that the production on the last episode was abruptly interrupted
by stay-at-home orders. So, the team managed to add missing footage in graphic
novel style and complete the episode. The result was quite stunning. I
appreciated the fact that many brilliant minds put that episode together and
that they got to wrap up the season for their audience.
I
felt like I needed to share this with Hans. I want the boys to always think of
solutions to problems without focusing too much on the obstacles in the way.
Hans was impressed with the smooth
transitions from live action footage to graphic novel style animation and vice
versa. I hope he got the message I was trying to pass onto him. We have been
watching a lot of shows together. I take every opportunity to pause at times
and check in with him to make sure he understands what is happening on the
screen. If there are subtitles, it is a wonderful chance to quiz the boy and add
to his vocabulary. I want him to be an active viewer - observe the subtleties
and question the atrocities!
It
was quite nice when Hans noticed that, in an ad, they used lesbians when they
talked about flirting again! Now, he actually looks for fair representation of
all cultures, races and sexual orientations in anything he watches.
As the boy turns 12 tomorrow, I am
happy to say that he is on his way. He is not perfect. He still pees with the
seat down and I find myself cautiously wiping the seat each time I plunk myself
on it! He plays basketball with wads of tissue, and later, I find one or two
strewn behind the garbage bin! Finally, just before he goes to bed, he talks excitedly
from his room while I am brushing my teeth in the washroom and I can barely
hear him! (For a good reason, I never want to confuse Black-ish with Blacklist
with him!)
All
of Hans’ imperfections seem to be connected in a strange way to the washroom! I
did not realize that until I listed them above. However, they are problems with
solutions!
I just need to pause in real life and remind
him to be an active lifer!
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