Introducing my metaphoric neighbours. Based on an anonymous skit from the Internet

My Snowman

It rarely snows in Canberra but occasionally it does. It was close to Christmas. So I thought, I’ll make a snowman” on the local reserve opposite.

8:00am. I build a perfectly respectable snowman. Classic design. Two eyes, and a wide happy smile.

8:05am. Simone is out walking her dog. “Why is it a snowman and not a snowwoman?” Fair point, I guess. So, I happily make the necessary adjustments. Gender transition complete.

8:15am. Cavendish walks by. Those curves are a bit unrealistic. You do know you are objectifying women everywhere. “Okay. I thought. Better be politically correct. I smooth her out with a caring sweep.

8:30am. The vegans up the street come by and tell me off for using a carrot and wasting food. I try using a pebble as a nose. But my snowwoman gives me a dejected look.

8:45am. School kids go past in joyous mood and wave at her no with a smile.

8:50am. A car pulls up … window winds down “Hey Richard, love your snow lady … but perhaps it should be more inclusive … I think about a rainbow hat but do nothing.

9:10am. A friend from overseas comes by and politely suggests she should be more modestly dressed. I attempt a snow-scarf. My snow sculpture skills are sadly lacking.

9:30am. Simone returns with her dog and tells me off me for giving her a broom—apparently reinforcing domestic stereotypes. I remove the broom. My poor snowwoman joins the ranks of the unemployed.

9 45am. A TV News Crew drives up … wanting coverage of fun in the Canberra snow.
The reporter jokes that he knows the difference between a snowman and a snowwoman. I consider throwing a snowball his way.

10: 00am. I am disappointed everyone wants to change my artwork. On the bright side, ACT Planning haven’t turned up to tell me off for building a sculpture on a public space.

I step back for a moment and realise I do not have a snowperson … but a snow blob.
Then the sun comes out … and all complaints melt away.

Well, if you try to please everybody you often please no one. And of course, you end up disappointed in yourself by making modification in what you are trying to do. So don’t worry if everybody doesn’t like the presents you give out today. And if you don’t like all those given to you that’s quite Ok. Sometimes when you keep a present after that initial dislike you find it useful later on.

Another thought – do you think we are living in an overly sensitive society where we are frequently caught out in what we are doing.

Enjoy your Christmas day, in whatever way based on the message of love and respect for all.