By Kayce Lopez / LifeAtStart.com Reporter
Most children’s books try to portray inclusiveness, individuality, or normalcy, all in the hopes of raising decent people. In The Velveteen Rabbit, a conversation between a skin horse and a rabbit follows the idea of being “Real,” discussed in the form of questions and answers.
Interpreted, the subtext of being real means being and accepting yourself.
When asked if being real hurts, the skin horse answers, “When you are Real you don’t mind being hurt.”
This says that no matter what you go through, bad things aren’t as bad once you accept your experiences.
Another question given by the rabbit is, “Does it happen all at once, like being wound up, or bit by bit?”
The skin horse replies that no, it doesn’t happen all at one, and that its an act of becoming. It says, “Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby,” portraying that becoming Real will take a lot of time.
Being Real doesn’t entertain things that don’t matter because, “Once you are Real you can’t be ugly, except to people who don’t understand.”
This quote was said in one of my favorite movies, Beginners, and resonated with me. I wanted to share this with anyone who feels the same way.
Contact Kayce Lopez at: [email protected]