Yesterday I was volunteering at Goose's classroom - as I do every Thursday. An extra pair of hands, someone to do the busy work (I have laminated, alert the Ph.D police), someone to oversee lunch so that the teachers can have a break.
It was during lunch time yesterday when one table of (multi-racial) 5 year olds began discussing tongues. As in, who has one and who does not. Alex was quite disturbed when Arianna pronounced him tongue-less. Orion displayed his tongue and its amazing ability to touch his nose. Wilson licked Siraaj. Then Julian called me over to whisper conspiratorially,
"Chinese people do not have tongues".
"Really?" I asked.
"Yeah, they don't have tongues, I know".
"Hmmm. Did you know that Goose is Chinese?"
"Um"
"Does she have a tongue?"
"Um"
"Let's check, Goose do you have a tongue?" (Promptly stuck out at her classmate). "Yes, yes, she seems to have a tongue".
"Oh"
"I think your hypothesis might be flawed"
"Oh"
"Chinese people are just like other people, you know. They have tongues."
"Oh.....Goose stuck her tongue at me"
"Yes, I know. Purely for research purposes, dispelling stereotypes, combating racism. Please finish your lunch now"
"Ok".
Just doing my part folks, just doing my part.
