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Location: Stuck on the East Coast, hoping to head West
4,640 posts, read 11,930,296 times
Reputation: 9885
My understanding of this incident (from another article and news story) is that the parents were offended because Santa did not want to hold or even touch the baby at all. The implication seems to be that this Santa stood up, held the baby and had the picture taken as quickly as possible so he didn't have to deal with the baby.
The parents were trying to have a "normal" experience that all other parents have. Even though their baby is sick, this is one time the baby (and parents) could have been like every other parent and baby at Christmas time. Even if it only lasted a few moments, it would have been a moment captured on paper for a lifetime.
Given what they've been through, I just don't think it's asking too much of Santa to sit down and hold the baby and take a freaking picture. Probably take less than 5 minutes.
Are the parents overreacting? Maybe. Given with what they're dealing with, I'm more inclined to sympathize with them than Santa.
What exactly does outrage feel like. I'm not sure I've ever been in such a state. I've been annoyed and I've been upset, but outraged? Sounds so drastic.
Based on what I read so far, the mother would have much better off spending her energy to kindly ask Santa to sit, assure him no harm will come and assist the child onto his lap. I don't know about you guys, I do all I can to help a mother with a physically challenged child in public. Come to think of it, maybe the mother is the one who is "challenged"?
As a parent, I'd say the mother should just be grateful that the child didn't start screaming and crying while being held by a strange looking person! haha
Status:
"Let this year be over..."
(set 15 days ago)
Location: Where my bills arrive
19,220 posts, read 17,075,134 times
Reputation: 15536
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nema98
"Santa" probably does not know how to deal with special needs children or maybe is an idiot and is disgusted by them. It could be anything.
The only thing more ridicules than the parents position is your statement above. Did the parents think to maybe speak with the staff at Bass Pro, explain what is going on and ask if they could accommodate them? This is a free feature and they strive to be family friendly.
Everyone including yourself assume that everyone is just happy & immune to deal with children who have challenges. This is no fault of the child and it is a shame that they have to go through this but why do you assume the person playing Santa is comfortable? Maybe he's not but to call him an idiot is just a reflection on you...
This dude is getting paid like $12 an hour, asking him to be an expert in handling kids with serious medical issues is a bit much. It seems like he did the best he could and the parents are being overly sensitive, especially considering that this was for a free photo.
"When they pay, they say" and "you get what you pay for" couldn't be more appropriate. You can hire a guy in a Santa suit to take as many photos as you like, however you want and specify certain requirements, in this case you shouldn't expect some random store Santa to know how to handle your special needs child just out of the blue, especially after he just watched you disconnect the baby's breathing apparatus. I'd try to get through it as fast as possible too.
This photograph has gone viral on Facebook and on television. This child was brought to me stapped in a wheelchair and on a ventilator. I assumed they would bring the child in the chair to the set so I went to assist. They unhooked the child from the vent and placed him in my arms with a plastic tube in his throat. I was stunned but as carefully as I could I walked over in front of the camera. The child could not respond to the bells and sqeekers used to direct their attention for a photograph and I was given no instructions on how to handle this child. With him cradled in my arms to support his head I manipulated him for the best picture by positioning my body at an awkward angle toward the camera, got the picture and returned him to his family and caretakers as quickly as possible. They approved of the picture initially-retakes are sometimes requested, but not in this case. Then this family contacted a television station and said I refused to sit with this child on my lap to take a picture! No one requested anything and I delivered the best picture I,could of this child for Christmas!
It's sad that he should have to defend himself like this over something so trivial. Seated or standing, it's a lovely photo.
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