You’re Not Alone #004
“Snow In SoCal”
Dandruff is a problem many, many of us face. I understand that it’s nothing to laugh at or look down upon.
That being said, let me share a story from a recent Disney visit…
One of my favorite parts of a trip to Disney is the first ride of the day. Of course, I’m talking about the tram ride from the parking lot/structure to the front gate. As the morning breeze blows and guests excitedly chatter, the anticipation of a day in the park comes to an electrifying crescendo.
Three weeks ago I was enjoying my morning tram travel when I felt small flecks intermittently hitting my face. Was it the spray from a sprinkler? Maybe a groundskeeper was edging the lawn. It was neither. Looking directly in front of me, I recognized the source of the problem: a man with the worst case of dandruff I had ever seen. And it was blowing in my face.
Again, I understand that some folks have health conditions beyond their control. But this guy didn’t show any signs of an advanced skin disease. This was just a severe case of neglect. The mess of white covering his shoulders reminded me of how sand collects on a wet bathing suit. And as I closed my eyes and mouth I could only grimace as I thought of how the tiny flakes of dead human flesh were flittering into the corners of my eyes. I thought of how the translucent shavings were landing in my nose and on my lips, melting into every moist orifice. The shudders still come as I relive it.
When the tram came to a ‘full and complete stop’, I debated about making a passive-aggressive comment. (Maybe something along the lines of, “You should get rid of that black t-shirt.”) But in the end, I bit my tongue, looked away and hustled off.
Now, in addition to being a humorous anecdote, this article also serves as a personal — but weak — confession. I confess that I did nothing for a fellow human being in need. I confess that I snickered and judged. I confess that I merely passed by on the other side of the road. My failure to spread the good news about the plethora of inexpensive shampoos and hair care products that can easily help this preventable condition was inexcusable.
As the day went on, however, Mr. Dandruff Man kept me thinking. What could I honestly have said? Most folks wouldn’t take kindly to strangers giving blunt tips on the prevention of offensive personal hygiene. This was a 40-year-old man and if he hasn’t taken care of the problem by now, I am sure he doesn’t think there is one. Why debate with him and risk undeserved hostility? After all, we’re both at Disney to have a good time and be carefree, right? How does one know when or if to ever intervene? All we can do is keep asking the questions. While the whole incident was a disgusting way to start a day, I couldn’t help but think that the greater human question was a funny thing to ponder while entering the “Happiest Place on Earth.”
So, if you think that the Disney experience can also serve as a reminder of the principal and profound, you’re not alone.
–Chris
RetroDISNEY
“Celebrate the future of Yesteryear!”
