No Zebras Allowed!

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Brock has already learned discrimination. We certainly didn't teach it to him, and we try to discourage it, but he decided on his own that zebra and elephant are second-class citizens.

A typical play-time activity for Brock is building a structure out of plastic blocks (usually a pool, restaurant, or a bed) and then inviting all of his animals to a party. The restaurant always comes with lots of food and everyone sitting at one big table. Then Brock will designate a waiter who comes by and asks, "how is the food?" Perhaps we are taking him out to eat too much.

At the pool, diving boards are erected, and the animals take turns diving. Sometimes Brock will ask us who should dive next. How about ducky? Of course, ducky can dive. Wheeeee! Splash! How about giraffe? Ok. Wheeeee! Splash! Can zebra dive?
"No. The pool is closed."
"The pool is closed? Well, can Murray dive?"
"Yes." Murray does a back flip.
"Is it zebra's turn now?"
"No. The pool is closed."
"But Brock, the pool is obviously open. Zebra can see everyone else having fun. Why can't he join in?"
"Because the pool is closed. Zebra can watch."

So, zebra usually ends up sitting alone (or with elephant) well outside the pool. Elephant isn't allowed to have fun either. It's pretty universal regardless of activity. Brock will find a reason to keep zebra out. Balancing toys on the rail of his crib (which he calls a bench)? "No. It's Murray's bench."

Human nature is cruel sometimes.

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