My Grand Mommy Says

Who wants to know when the War of 1812 was fought? All hands are up; every kindergartener wants to know. Who wants to know who invented robotics? Two kindergarteners’ hands are up. The others are on their bouncy ball chairs, Not listening. “Would you like to hear a story?” The vote of hands is about half and half, so I read to one half, and my counterpart plays an Alphabet game with the others. Kindergarten makes up their mind, and There is no budging it, no changing it at all. “My mommy says that all men are stupid.” Really! How delightful to be espousing this so early. “My grandmommy says that all white people are mean.” Being white myself, I could feel insulted, but I don’t. “What would I have to do to change your mind about that?” “I don’t know,” the little five-year-old girl admitted. “What’s a white people?” It’s going to be fun now, I doubt I’ll have to change her mind, just give her the sorted truth that her favorite teacher is now her enemy.” Too late, Grand-mommy, I think. Too late. Written May 2, 2018