This lovely thread about a 5 y/o boy who wore nail varnish to school starts off furious and ends up inspiring
10.
I know these kids are only in kindergarten but this toxic masculinity bullshit is LEARNED. Learned most of the time from parents. So parents, I hope you’re proud. I hope this is what you wanted. I hope you’re satisfied.
— Daddy Files (@DaddyFiles) October 23, 2018
11.
I hope you sleep well tonight knowing order has been at least partially restored and gender norms solidified for one more little boy whose terrible infraction was having the audacity to like brightly painted fingernails.
— Daddy Files (@DaddyFiles) October 23, 2018
12.
My wife and I spent five years successfully preaching tolerance, acceptance, and the importance of expression and your kids unraveled that in one school day. He now feels the shame you desperately want to associate with being different.
— Daddy Files (@DaddyFiles) October 23, 2018
13.
But I want you to know I talked to Sam and I told him those other kids are just jealous of his nails. I told him to wear an even brighter shade tomorrow. And I told him to ask these kids why they’re so upset and see what they say.
— Daddy Files (@DaddyFiles) October 23, 2018
14.
I bet they don’t know. I bet their parents don’t even know. But what I do know is Sam is a goddamn fireworks show of a human being and I won’t let that be dulled for a second by this restrictive bullshit that’s been choking boys forever.
— Daddy Files (@DaddyFiles) October 23, 2018
15.
I told Sam he could take off the nail polish if he wanted but lots of guys wear it like Thor (@chrishemsworth) & Capt. Jack Sparrow. He asked if his fav football player @robgronkowski did. I’m not sure but I told him yes. Sorry, Gronk.
— Daddy Files (@DaddyFiles) October 23, 2018
16.
But more importantly I told him it doesn’t matter what anyone else does because what you wear and how you look should make YOU look good. And to hell with everyone else.
— Daddy Files (@DaddyFiles) October 23, 2018
17.
After careful consideration, he’s leaving it on. Because he likes it and it makes him feel good. Then Sam’s 10-year-old brother painted HIS nails in solidarity with his sibling, at which point I nearly cried.
— Daddy Files (@DaddyFiles) October 23, 2018
18.
That moved me to paint MY nails. Sam picked out this color called “Main Squeeze” & I think it’s understated but lovely. Sam is sticking with red because “it’s pretty and good luck for the @patriots.” #ItsOnlyWeirdIfItDoesntWork pic.twitter.com/KtuwldiEJw
— Daddy Files (@DaddyFiles) October 23, 2018
19.
Intolerant parents and their offspring scored a minor victory today but they won’t win the war. I know that because the Sams of the world aren’t going to suffer this bullshit anymore. Of that I have no doubt.
— Daddy Files (@DaddyFiles) October 23, 2018
20.
Be brave and shine bright, my beautiful polished boy. Know that mom and dad always have your back and if the rest of the world has a problem with your nails, they can check out my nail polish! pic.twitter.com/fvjD2IZnNQ
— Daddy Files (@DaddyFiles) October 23, 2018
And here are a few of the many responses it prompted.
https://twitter.com/caitlinmoran/status/1054645666943852544
https://twitter.com/ClinicEscort/status/1054534369233096704
https://twitter.com/clementine_ford/status/1054629551442018304