In the latest outrageous example of grumpy, rude people trying to wipe the world clean of any signs of children, a Colorado community is trying to outlaw the use of sidewalk chalk. It seems the bright flowers and rainbows that adorn their concrete are making some residents crazy, and they're calling for a halt to its use.
Yes, it's true, people really are up in arms about it in a Colorado subdivision called Stapleton in which residents share a common courtyard. According to CBS 4, some have complained about the childhood practice, calling it "distracting and offensive," and now the Homeowner's Association is out to ban the practice.
Resident Sarah Cohen is the mother of one would-be outlaw, Emerson, who is 3. She said she's shocked and outraged that anyone would have a problem with such a simple, childhood pastime in what's supposed to be a family-friendly neighborhood. “It’s summertime and God forbid my daughter is drawing flowers, her name, and hearts,” she told the station.
People really need to get grip and lighten up. If some kid's drawings on the sidewalk in front of you is really going to get you that riled up, then you have a pretty sad and pathetic life. If it was full of profanity or other questionable content, that would be one thing, but we're talking rainbows and hearts here. It washes off in the rain for goodness sake!
From booting kids from airplanes and banning them in restaurants to HOAs that find Big Wheels too noisy to handle, there are people out there who really find children and everything about them intolerable. And it's ridiculous. No, you don't have to coddle and coo over them, but they are human beings. They are the future of this country, and I don't think allowing them to enjoy their childhood should be too much to ask.
Do you think it's outrageous that a community would try to ban sidewalk chalk?
Image via katerha/Flickr
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Comments 26
HOWEVER, sidewalk chalk?? WTF? Kids need to be outside and sidewalk chalk is an excellent creative outlet. It's a childhood staple. When I go for walks in the evening, the sidewalk drawings greet me and warm my heart... Brings back good memories. Its also a sign that kids are getting outside..which seems rare these days. Leave them be. Sidewalk chalk is harmless.
I don't know about Colorado, but in California there are not adult only comunities (with the eception of senior, 55+, housing). It's considered discrimination.
But, yeah, too many people seem to be unable to tolerate normal kid behavior. I've had people complain about kids being noisy at the park. THE PARK! They said I should take my kids to Chuck e Cheese instead. Way to fight childhood obesity.
I can see them being angry over a public space, like sidewalks all over the neighborhood. Theoretically, it could take away from the aesthetic appeal of the area. Personally, nothing says "summer" to me like hopscotch drawings on the sidewalk and driveways covered in drawings. To say ti's offensive is insulting and immature. There is nothing offensive about hopscotch or flowers. If there is something being drawn that IS offensive, then they need to catch those children and speak with their parents. It's not fair to ruin the fun for everyone.
We posted some of the kids sidewalk art on our HOA website. It was that good. They did the whole solar system, in my driveway. We encourage it, as long as it is not offensive, if it is then a good spray from the hose and it is gone. And the offender is banned for the day.
I personally would not live where they have rules as to what I can display, how I can decorate (i.e. what color drapes I can have) or what kind of grass I can plant.