http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-gloucestershire-39456449
I don’t know if you have seen this story, about a man being abused on social media because his car is considered an eyesore.
It brought up all sorts of emotions for me when I read the original story and even more when I saw the support he has received.
Tourists complained that his bright yellow car which he parked outside his own home ruined the view of the picturesque village he lives in. It was then vandalised.
I was furious when I first heard about that, I realise now its not just because of this story but what it represents. All too often, clients end up in distress because they have been told repeatedly by others how they should be or what they should do. Other people believing they have a right to dictate what a life and personality should be. The unasked for and unwelcome judgement of others can lead to verbal mocking and vandalism as in this case but also violence and mental health issues.
But this story also brought me hope. The fact that a rally has been held in support of the little yellow car with lots of other yellow cars lightened up my day.
The celebration of being outside the ‘norm’ and the support given to someone being victimised for it also reminded me of other stories and experiences.
We may be a little yellow car and it may cause problems because of some people, but someone else out there will get it. We just need to find them and hold onto ourselves so we can find a way to celebrate our yellowness.