Dear Thursday: A Culture Gap That No Amount of Talking Can Surmount
Photo Credit: TangoPango
So I want to come clean, because last week I said that CH and I didn’t argue over our differences. That was a lie, because we have hit one HUGE roadblock in our relationship as parents from two very different cultures. It’s actually rather hard for me to talk about in this venue, because I get upset just thinking about it. So I’ll just say it quick like ripping off a Band-Aid.
CH told me …
CH keeps on insisting that our dear innocent daughter…
I can barely say it, the notion is so foul, but I must if I wish true healing to begin.
CH wants Betty to cheer for the San Diego Chargers.
I hear your audible gasp and I’ll reaffirm what I just said. Yes, he actually wants her to cheer for the San Diego Chargers.
I’ve argued and argued with him on this subject, explaining that the Pittsburgh Steelers are the One True Team, to which he answered that it’s unseemly to cheer for a team just because they win.
I explained that I don’t cheer for the Steelers just b/c they win, but because they are the best football team in America and a dynasty that has no match. He says Betty should cheer for the Chargers because she’s from California and it’s too dangerous to cheer for the Raiders. He also pointed out that I wasn’t from Pittsburgh to which I answered, “I spent my most seminal years in the the great olde town of Pittsburgh. To say I’m not from there is an insult of the gravest nature. Also, one need not be from Pittsburgh to know that they are the greatest football team of all time, so excuse you, sirrah! Excuse you!”
Yet CH sticks to his guns, insisting that Betty will indeed cheer for the inferior Chargers if he has anything to say about it.
I am aghast and without words for this situation. Moreover, I have no idea what to do to get us past this obstacle. Though, Betty will not be forced to choose between her black and white sides, she will be forced to choose between a listless team that is supported by her father because they happen to be located nearby or the One True Team which boasts the best football dynasty in the history of ever.
So I put it to you, Dear Reader. What would you do if you were in my situation and found yourself having to battle for all that is good in this football-watching nation with the man you love most. Suggestions much appreciated.
And I do suppose it could be worse. He could have said that he wanted her to cheer for the Dallas Cowboys.
I would use subliminal reinforcement. Children respond to colors…start surrounding her with black and gold…maybe put up some steel curtains in her bedroom… dress her in steelers outfits…and when the steelers games are on give her her favorite toy…but when the chargers are on, take that sucker away! she'll love the steelers….but wait a second?! You don't need to be that manipulative…Betty is born of you, she'll be a smart girl, she'll be able to plainly see, even statistically, that the Steelers are just plain awesome….and the chargers just suck
I would use subliminal reinforcement. Children respond to colors…start surrounding her with black and gold…maybe put up some steel curtains in her bedroom… dress her in steelers outfits…and when the steelers games are on give her her favorite toy…but when the chargers are on, take that sucker away! she'll love the steelers….but wait a second?! You don't need to be that manipulative…Betty is born of you, she'll be a smart girl, she'll be able to plainly see, even statistically, that the Steelers are just plain awesome….and the chargers just suck
We're in the same boat. The Husband, of course, thinks baby-to-be should root for the Patriots. To which, I say, absolutely not. i say 'Go Cowboys!' – they are, after all, America's Team, whatever your personal opinion may be of them.
Like a multi-faith household, we have decided to introduce both options equally and let her choose for herself. In the meantime, she will become a die hard Red Sox fan — that, we do agree on!
We're in the same boat. The Husband, of course, thinks baby-to-be should root for the Patriots. To which, I say, absolutely not. i say 'Go Cowboys!' – they are, after all, America's Team, whatever your personal opinion may be of them.
Like a multi-faith household, we have decided to introduce both options equally and let her choose for herself. In the meantime, she will become a die hard Red Sox fan — that, we do agree on!
Can we compromise on the Saints?
Can we compromise on the Saints?
Good idea, but unfortunately CH makes all the design decisions in our house. I don't think I could get him to okay steel curtains.
Good idea, but unfortunately CH makes all the design decisions in our house. I don't think I could get him to okay steel curtains.
Knowing me, do you really think I'm going to really be able to present both options equally? It's be more like, "Betty do you want to root for the best team ever or the super whack San Diego Chargers?"
Knowing me, do you really think I'm going to really be able to present both options equally? It's be more like, "Betty do you want to root for the best team ever or the super whack San Diego Chargers?"
Dude, no. Neither of us live or are in any way associated with Nawlins. Also, did I mention that The Steelers are the One True Team?
Dude, no. Neither of us live or are in any way associated with Nawlins. Also, did I mention that The Steelers are the One True Team?
You know I really like CH, but come on….really? This is not even a discussion because Brian and I will be forced to go behind both of your backs and push for the black and gold! Don't be surprised if every girt (e.g., birthday, Christmas, etc.) Baby Betty is presented with black and gold paraphernalia. CH, don't fake the funk. She will bleed black and gold, you are sooooooo outnumbered!!! But in the interest of compromise, the Pirates suck so feel free to root for some other whack baseball team!
You know I really like CH, but come on….really? This is not even a discussion because Brian and I will be forced to go behind both of your backs and push for the black and gold! Don't be surprised if every girt (e.g., birthday, Christmas, etc.) Baby Betty is presented with black and gold paraphernalia. CH, don't fake the funk. She will bleed black and gold, you are sooooooo outnumbered!!! But in the interest of compromise, the Pirates suck so feel free to root for some other whack baseball team!