We humans have created some unusual norms and set of rules differently for men and women. There are things which only women must do, and things which only men must follow. And if someone tries to break the norms, he/ she is considered abnormal. What if amidst the chaos, a small kid becomes the center of all hatred for unknowingly disobeying the rules? A concerned dad recently shared a thought provoking story about his kid who was bullied at kindergarten for wearing nail paint. Sam Gouveia, 5, suffered the bullying and then broke down at the end of the day. Sam’s dad has shared the incident on Twitter in a series of tweets.
He has criticized largely the parents of the kids, and even called for support from other parents. In a heart-breaking tweet, Sam’s father explains how his son who is otherwise a strong kid, couldn’t handle being bullied at the kindergarten and cried inconsolably later.
In his first tweet, he wrote:
“My rage meter is spiking right now so excuse me if this is a little raw but there are some things I want to say about BS #gender norms.”
This is my son, Sam. He’s 5. And today he learned how shitty and harmful #ToxicMasculinity is. My rage meter is spiking right now so excuse me if this is a little raw but there are some things I want to say about BS #gender norms (a thread) pic.twitter.com/NtoE2VHKsU
— Daddy Files (@DaddyFiles) October 23, 2018
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He tweets further:
Sam is my middle child & he’s a terror. A “boy’s boy” as so many (not me) would say. He’s rough and tumble, he’s loud, he’s always dirty, loves trucks, plays sports and knee drops me from the couch. But he also loves a lot of “girl” things.
— Daddy Files (@DaddyFiles) October 23, 2018
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Talks about how Sam loves to paint his nails!
Sam has a collection of purses because he likes to carry things around. And he also loves to have his nails painted bright colors because he thinks they “look beautiful.” And he’s right – they are beautiful… pic.twitter.com/tdMdpJZH5w
— Daddy Files (@DaddyFiles) October 23, 2018
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And explained how he wore a red nail paint to the kindergarten!
So he proudly wore his red nail polish to kindergarten this morning because Sam has absolutely no concept of nail polish only being for girls or reason to think anyone would possibly have a problem with beautiful nails. pic.twitter.com/WsHHupgw9H
— Daddy Files (@DaddyFiles) October 23, 2018
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He then explained how Sam’s classmates treated him!
But his classmates did have a problem. A big one. Sam was ridiculed for being a boy with nail polish. They called him names and told him to take it off. This lasted the entire day.
— Daddy Files (@DaddyFiles) October 23, 2018
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Sam cried his heart out and couldn’t speak much!
When my wife picked him up from school he collapsed into her arms and cried uncontrollably. He was devastated at how other kids turned on him, even his friends. He asked them to stop but that just made it worse. Only 1 kid stood up for him.
— Daddy Files (@DaddyFiles) October 23, 2018
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The 5-year old couldn’t explain the situation properly!
He called me at work, his words barely decipherable through the sobs, and I told him nothing those kids say matters. That his nails are BADASS! And the only thing that matters is whether he likes his nails. And then my heart broke…
— Daddy Files (@DaddyFiles) October 23, 2018
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He ultimately wanted to get rid of the nail paint!
“Daddy, I want mommy to take off the nail polish so they don’t make fun of me.”
— Daddy Files (@DaddyFiles) October 23, 2018
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Sam’s father also explains how his son has never been afraid in his life!
My son is far from perfect but he’s got a huge heart and empathy for miles. He finds beauty in everything around him and for 5 years he’s never been afraid to be different because different has never meant “bad.” Until now.
— Daddy Files (@DaddyFiles) October 23, 2018
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And talks about the toxic masculinity!
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
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And calls upon the parents of the kids who bullied Sam!
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
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He further talks about the importance of expression!
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
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And also about how he inspired Sam to wear a brighter color the next day!
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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
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Calls his son a great human being!
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
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And explains how superheroes like ‘Thor’ wear nail paint!
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
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And also the importance of self love!
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
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Sam’s brother painted his nails!
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
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And the father too!
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
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He shared some very powerful lines!
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
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And the picture of his painted nail!
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
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All tweets have been shared through the Twitter handle ‘Daddy Files’ and soon became viral. Other people also joined the movement and shared the pictures of their painted nails.
Thank you for sharing your story. 💕 I hope Sam continues to rock the nail polish & allow his beauty to shine through and be a light for others. The world can be a dark place. We could all use a little more bright red nail polish.
— karen cargnelli (@agility2girl) October 24, 2018
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People thanked Sam’s dad for sharing his story!
Your boy is beautiful. I hope he shines like the individual he is. Use Eddie Izzard as an example. A transvestite who is hetro and loves all boys rough and tumble but loves to dress as a lady as well.
— Julie Callaghan (@juliecal72) October 24, 2018
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Some called Sam alive!
In other words, Sam is ALIVE. Kudos dad!
— ROBIROB RESISTS HATRED (@obbibb) October 24, 2018
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Some sent him their love!
Rock on Sam. Sending you feathers for your creative wings. May all of your dreams take flight xo pic.twitter.com/Vgv60e4rpm
— Judi Riley (@TikiTales) October 24, 2018
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And some even cried!
This thread made me cry.
I’m speechless.
— Thomas Dierson (@ThomasDierson) October 25, 2018
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Bullying of any form is bad and should not be fostered by any means. All we can say here is – More power to you Sam!
