The story of Little Red Riding Hood is a fabled tale of vast moral implications.
While the obvious warning is to teach children safety by avoiding contact and/or speaking to strangers, there are more subtle insightful undertones.
During the short-lived conversation between Red and Wolf, the seemingly innocuous banter of recognizing the enlarged features of “Grandma” brings up a point of consideration for effective communication:
“Oh, grandmother, what big ears you have!”
“All the better to hear you with.”
Wolf’s clever use of a truism lures the child in further to discover more about “Grandma’s” appearance — culminating with “Grandma’s” gargantuan snout. (No need to delve further into the story than is needed. The redeeming conclusion of this fable is the rescue of Grandma and Red by a law-abiding armed citizen, who happens to obtain an exotic Wolf pelt in the process.)
“All the better to hear you with…”
In my experience, I’ve always found those who hear (or listen to others) are far more effective in their communication. Those who prefer to be heard often find themselves conversing with the echo in an empty room.
If we truly want to be effective communicators, we must first seek to hear; only then will we be heard.
Editorial Note: Writing this, I’m reminded of a conversation I had with my cousin Justin who is hard of hearing. I’ll never forget a question he asked me many years ago. He said, “Don, would you prefer to be blind or deaf?” Taken aback by the severity of his question, I couldn’t answer. Thankfully, he responded and said, “I would rather be blind; not being able to see separates you from the world. Not being able to hear separates you from people.”
Justin is an inspiration to me. He is a very effective communicator. He knows how to listen to others. (Justin, if you’re reading… Thank you!)
Image: Michal Marcol / FreeDigitalPhotos.net