Inappropiate behavior on Vanderbilt Avenue

while everyone looked in horror at this disgusting animalistic act!

take it easy

Subject: The tree story

Yes, I was actually sitting on the bench at the Joyce Bakery reading when this happened. I realized that the people were not "from around here" but perhaps from a part of the world where this is more commonplace.
I ended up talking to the grandmother and drank my coffee.
The little boy was very cute.
I did recommend the bathroom to the parents (who walked away for an errand I am guessing) but they looked at me as if they couldn't comprehend.
I have heard that in Isreal and Germany that this is common and many years ago I was traveling in Greece and did see what looked and sounded like "Europeans" doing the same thing (adults too).

Oh, I realize this must have been another incident...the child was 18 months.

I'm not sure that public urination by children is acceptable anywhere in urban Europe. I'm not sure that it's acceptable by adults, either, but it's hard to control a drunk man.

This topic comes up quite a bit on these boards (public urination in Brooklyn, not whether or not doing so in European cities is acceptable). Why is it so hard for today's children to go at home?

Reminds me a little ditty:

Birds do it, bees do it
Even educated fleas do it
Let's do it, let's pee in public

In Spain the best upper sets do it
Lithuanians and Letts do it
Let's do it, let's pee in public

The Dutch in old Amsterdam do it
Not to mention the Finns
Folks in Siam do it
Think of Siamese twins

Some Argentines, without means do it
People say in Boston even beans do it
Let's do it, let's pee in public

Romantic sponges they say do it
Oysters down in Oyster Bay do it
Let's do it, let's pee in public

Cold Cape Cod clams, 'gainst their wish, do it
Even lazy jellyfish do it
Let's do it, let's pee in public

Electric eels, I might add, do it
Though it shocks 'em I know
Why ask if shad do it
Waiter, bring me shadroe

In shallow shoals, English soles do it
Goldfish in the privacy of bowls do it
Let's do it, let's pee in public

StoopLady wrote: Oh, I realize this must have been another incident...the child was 18 months.

I believe this child was possibly marking the others scent. I don't have kids, but this seems most logical in animal behavior.

it is ridiculous that the parent wouldn't do a better job of finding a spot, but when a 4 year old who is *finally* potty-trained says he has to go, you have about 1.4 minutes to find a spot. if they're not from around there, they might not know what to do.

growing up in the suburbs, my brother went on trees all the time when we'd be out for the day, but it wasn't in an urban setting so it doesn't really translate. if they aren't from the city though they might not have realized how innapropriate it was. i think it's gross, but it's a little kid. it would REALLY bother me if it was an adult. that is disgusting.

you're going to call the authorities? i'm sure the police have better things to do

Calm down. It's not an epidemic -- it's one kid peeing on a tree.

Also, I have no problem with it. Everybody's fancy dog pees on the sidewalk, where I'm walking. They should be so polite as this kid.

i agree. calling the police would be a complete waste of their time.

so many more unacceptable things happen in our neighborhood, i'd put this at the way bottom of the list.

i shouldn't have to see parents threatening and smacking their children at the supermarket, but i see that daily.

brooklynpotter wrote: i shouldn't have to see parents threatening and smacking their children at the supermarket, but i see that daily.

Just because you're passive and let parents illegally beat their children infront of you without interjecting, doesn't at all make you a good citizen of a community.

Can't believe you're proud to write something of that nature.

booklynian, i'd like to call for a mod here to check your IP because frankly it sounds like you're a sock puppet looking to stir up trouble and conflict. possibly the OP?