Yesterday, my youngest daughter marked her 11th birthday and we originally planned to celebrate it in the mall. Then my wife said it maybe better if we just have a small get-together, then spend a few hours at the arcade. I agreed with the understanding that I’ll go with them. That’s the way it is I guess.
It didn’t turn out that way; the family still went to the arcade but for unsaid reasons, I was left alone at home. It was not an uncommon scenario though. When I was growing up, my parents would often leave me behind when they had to attend family gatherings. The reason: I was a young PWD (person with disability) then and if I came along with them, my folks would have to look after me or deal with strangers who look at me with sad and disappointing eyes. Poor mom and dad would not get to enjoy themselves because of me.
Said, hey little boy you can’t go where the others go
‘Cause you don’t look like they do
Being left behind is not really uncommon for many PWD’s like me. It’s something we have to accept early in life. Out of fear and embarrassment, people, including our own family, would rather have us stay at home than to be seen with them in public places. It’s an unwritten rule that prevents many PWD’s from mingling freely with the rest of society. “The Way It Is” said it most aptly.
Said, hey old man how can you stand
To think that way
Did you really think about it
Before you made the rules?
I’m nearing the twilight of my life, and there’s a chance that at some point in time in the future, I will see myself all alone. Everyone would rather be with people they can be happy and proud to be with and not have to explain themselves to others. Me? I’ll probably be standing in line at some welfare office to ask for help while people stare at me with sad and disappointing eyes.
Standing in line, marking time
Waiting for the welfare dime
‘Cause they can’t buy a job
The man in the silk suit hurries by
As he catches the poor old ladies’ eyes
Just for fun he says, “get a job”
Yes, we may have come far in terms of what we have achieved as man. Unfortunately, despite this so-called progress, we have retained some of the attitude that has once made us beasts. Things like abuse, intolerance, and discrimination are still very much alive and strangely, we encourage them, but in discreet fashion because we want others to see us as civilized.
That’s just the way it is
And some things will never change
That’s just the way it is
That’s just the way it is
If, at some point in your life, you were untreated fairly, cheer up because you’re not alone. Bruce Hornsby said it clearly in the song, “The Way It Is.” Listen to the song here:
Bruce Hornsby of the rock band Bruce Hornsby and the Range wrote “The Way It Is” as part of their 1986 debut album bearing the same title. The song was number one in the music charts of the Netherlands, Canada, and the US.
“The Way It Is” is best remembered for two things: one, the long but haunting piano tune, and two, its clear and strong reference to two major US laws. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the 1964 Poverty Act or Economic Opportunity Act were both enacted to provide protection and assistance to the marginalized sectors of society, especially the poor and those who suffer from discrimination.
AKA Music 