Fooled ft. Parents
The Go-to One Liners Used By Machiavellian Parents On Their Gullible Children
Rajbir Singh, AIS Gur 43, XII S
Only two kinds of people can make tall promises and not stick to their end of the bargain – politicians and parents. Only the latter happens to outsmart in this sorry-not-sorry game. Luring innocent kids with something they call ‘reward’ for it to be withdrawn later, all stealthily masked under the best parenting dialogues seems to be their go-to play. So, for you, we have consolidated our research of countless sulking teens into the most often heard parent dialogues that scream ‘fooled’.
“It is for your own good.”
Our research (read: long discussions with countless other teens) reveals this to be the most often said statement by parents when they want to get away from the reward they promised. That Dominos pizza oh-so-genuinely promised by your dad pushes you to solve 578 questions. But fate, has different plans, for when you remind them of the same, they remind you of the umpteen calories and health disadvantages that go to the extent of ruining your entire life, neatly surmised with ‘It is for your own good’.
“It is your responsibility.”
Responsibility is any parents’ favourite word. You break your back cleaning your room for a nice TV time, when you see your mother watching the cheesiest soap opera. You make the mistake to protest, only to face the wrath of the eyebrows arched in a perfect 75-degree angle. Arms crossed, you are hit by that one line like an arrow in the chest - “It is your responsibility anyway. So, why ask for a reward?” Well, that’s pretty much the hint you need to leave the room immediately.
“You achieved this because you didn’t have the reward.”
Be it sports or studies, you excelled at it and now want a reward? Think twice, and then think again. A psychologist with two PhDs is less educated than parents. With their back straight, fingers interlocked, elbows on table, and eyes glaring straight into your soul, a single line will fly out punctuated with a sigh, “Son, you came first because you didn’t have the phone and hence, there were no distractions. So, we suggest that you listen to us and stop asking for a phone. Rest is upto you.”
“Money doesn’t grow on trees.”
The patent for this dialogue was given to middle class parents even before the concept of patent was invented. With your hard work, perseverance, and grit matching that of a mule, you get the desired result. You go back home holding a medal in your hands, expecting a new MacBook. But, before you make the mistake of claiming the reward, you must know that parents’ attitudes are more unpredictable than the weather in Southern Indian Ocean. You state it and the loving, affectionate gestures change to dead serious ones. Then, comes the age-old saying, taking your desire with it, “Money doesn’t grow on trees.”
While this write up may make parents look like con artists, the truth is that they only wish the best for you – reward or no reward. So, keep trying, for you will achieve something anyway, and who knows they might just stick to their promise.
Dancing through life
Movie: Feel The Beat
Directed by: Elissa Down
Released on: June 19, 2020
Starring: Sofia Carson,
Wolfgang Novogratz
Genre: Musical, comedy, drama, family
Synopsis: Aspiring Broadway dancer April Dibrina’s career derails after she steals a cab for an audition, leading to a public scandal. Forced to return to her hometown in Wisconsin, she agrees to coach a local dance team. Her initial strict training regimen alienates the young dancers, but gradually she bonds with them and gains the trust of the team. As they advance through competitions, April becomes a better mentor. Despite being offered a major role in NYC by Welly Wong, April prioritises her commitment to the team, supporting them at a crucial competition. This decision allows her to balance her professional aspirations with her new community. Ultimately, April redeems herself by blending her Broadway dreams with newfound responsibilities, and continues to teach her dance team remotely while performing in NYC.
Why is it worth watching: The movie is a beautiful journey that takes you through the transformation of each character. The most drastic transformation of all is that of April’s character as she becomes an amazing teacher toward the end and continues to achieve her other dreams.
Iconic dialogue: “Take Your Chance. Make Your Move.”
Rating: 4/5
Review by: Niharika Sudheer AIS Noida, Alumna
(Niharika is pursuing BA (hons) in Culinary Arts from Le Cordon Bleu GD Goenka University)