Colour

My co-parent of the smallest ones had recently told me that the children had recently been enjoying watching repeats of the old Bob Ross show; The Joy of Painting, on BBC 4.

Initially, I didn’t give this much thought, but as the children kept mentioning it and wanted me to see it, I thought we’d give it a try. There followed arguably the most relaxing half hour of recent times as Mr Ross set about creating a mini masterpiece, all the while gently describing what he was doing and of course, making painting a barn neighbouring a stream in the countryside look like an absolute doddle.

Inspired by this, I dug out some paints I’d been saving for a literal rainy day and we three sat down to create. It goes without saying that none of our efforts rivalled those painted by Bob, but it was relaxing and there was a little joy from realising that the children had been listening to what he’d been saying and rather than just waving the brush at the paper, they were gently dabbing away to create a tree leaves effect on the trunk and limbs they’d already painted on.

Nice, temporary escapism from a world in pain where our seeming inability to show kindness and respect to one another continues to results in casualties on all sides. Where, sadly, we have already forgotten the lessons of our immediate history: that humanity is at its best when we come together, respect and look out for another. 

Until all of us realise the simple fact that we are all the same, that we are all just human beings regardless of the shade, tone or colour of our skin and should be treated equally accordingly, then we will never reach an end to this perpetual painful loop.

The solution is so unbelievably, ridiculously simple that it will never catch on: see the person, not the colour of their skin.

N.B. I am hereinafter dropping the “Stay healthy” sign off as it is inherent that I wish you good health.