We’ve always been told to spend according to what we have instead of what we want. For many, that means keeping things humble. But that doesn’t mean that celebrations, birthdays and life, in general, can’t be filled with love.
The 經典語錄 Facebook page shared an image of a father-and-son duo sitting at a fast food restaurant to celebrate the boy’s birthday. The father was apparently criticized for not making the celebration a fancy one, much to netizens’ dismay.
They wrote, “A few days ago, someone saw a father and a son in a fast food restaurant. A small strawberry cake was placed on the table, and candles were carefully placed on it. The son had put his hands together, closed his eyes and made a wish with the candles. The father was sitting across from him, taking pictures of his son with a phone.”
It was a sweet sight seeing the father and son duo, but people of the internet had other opinions in mind.
“It was a very heartwarming scene, but some people made comments and pointed fingers, thinking that it was too shabby to celebrate a birthday like this, by taking your son to eat fast food on his birthday,” a netizen commented.
“The cake is too small, don’t buy it if you can’t afford it. What are you thinking, wanting him to inherit the same lifestyle as you?”
And the kicker was, “If it is so difficult, you shouldn’t have had him,” – basically saying that the father shouldn’t have children at all if he isn’t rich.
But, is it right for people to be so mean to the father?
“This plainly-dressed father is trying his best to give his child the best gifts within his abilities, so why criticise him?”
“We are used to viewing the universe from the perspective of our own limited experience and making assumptions about the unknowable. I make the mistake of assuming that because I’m used to seeing the bustling metropolis, everyone has rich and luxurious living conditions like mine. How many individuals have, in reality, spent their entire lives battling for even the most basic kind of survival?” the Facebook caption read.
In the end, to become a better person and to have humanity is to put yourself in the shoes of others from different backgrounds and lifestyles.
“To be knowledgeable is not only to see the prosperous upper class of the world, but also to see the poverty and the bottom of the world. If you have not seen the latter, it is considered ignorance. Before criticising others, first understand one thing: some people, who are just surviving, are already doing their best,” they explained.
People’s criticism aside, it’s clear that the son appreciates his father’s efforts and presence in his life, which is the only thing that should matter.
We’d take a fast food birthday celebration over an overpriced dinner any day. People should really just mind their own businesses and let others be happy.
Also read: This Adorable Grandfather-Granddaughter Duo From Kedah Will Bring Happy Tears To Your Eyes
