I read a description of the phrase, heart on your sleeve, and it sure fits a lot of namby pamby people these days. Because it said the phrase means everyone can see your emotions no matter how hard you try to hide them. And it also said, if you’re the kind of person who’s heart is on your sleeve, you get hurt easily “by others who disregard your emotions.”
Oh brother.
Please tell me you’re not that kind of person (although I’m certain that somewhere close to 100% of my readers and listeners aren’t).
Because, here’s the thing.
There will be people who will disregard your emotions. And they will exist your whole life. And they will project their own shortcomings onto anyone who gets “hurt easily.” Because they can. Also because misery loves company.
For example, do you wear your heart on your sleeve when it comes to “race?”
Apparently there are still some people (and when I say “some people,” I mean almost everybody) who believe there are multiple races of human beings. I know that sounds like crazy talk to true thinkers. But the fallacy persists. Humans just can’t seem to be happy unless they’re making others miserable.
And the reason I bring it up is because I came across an article about the so-called “racism” of the story of Little Black Sambo. Wow. Talk about people with hearts on their sleeves. And talk about feelings getting easily hurt.
In the first place, the story is simple. A little boy overcomes tigers and they end up as butter for his pancakes. And it just so happens, the little boy has dark skin.
Sure, you can take that story, or some of the sillier illustrations that have been connected to it, and turn it into something “racist.” Because…well…because you can make almost anything “racist” if that’s the sort of thing you’re into.
But if that’s the sort of thing you’re into, you’ve got way too much time on your hands.
And you might even find opportunities to turn my “Kiddin’ Around” songbook into something “racist” if you work at it. Because one of the stories (which is also a song) is called “Don’t.” It’s a list of things little kids should not do. But there’s a twist. It’s a list of things can’t do. Like, don’t grab a tiger by the tail.
Uh-oh, did he say “tiger?”
Yeah, there might be something racist in the “hidden meaning.” So, if things like that can set you off, then you probably won’t like my songbook (which is also a coloring book and drawing book) for kids.
In that case, you can skip the link below. But if you won’t wear your heart on your sleeve like that, I know you and your kids will enjoy Kiddin’ Around.
Don’t grab a tiger by the tail.
And don’t go dancin’ with a whale.
Don’t rub elbows with snake,
And don’t eat cornflakes with a rake.
(excerpt from the song)
Stay tuned,
Get your special, silly kid the Kiddin’ Around songbook today.