You know that feeling when you wake up from a nightmare only to realize it’s your new reality? Every morning, we open our eyes to a world where Donald Trump has a solid base of supporters for the presidency. My feelings about those supporters? Well, let’s just say I’ve suggested they unfriend me on social media. If they’re fans of Trump, then my online presence is probably not their cup of tea. It’s unlikely I’ll change their minds, anyway.
But what about those who think Trump is a poor choice but would still vote for him because they believe Hillary is the worst thing since sliced bread? I’m at a loss when it comes to explaining this to my kids.
Talking to My Kids About Trump
How do I talk to my daughter and son about this? I’m not going to sugarcoat Trump’s behavior for my 6-year-old. However, when she asks about his supporters, I find myself stumbling over my words.
There are countless political arguments against Trump. He’s unqualified to run a country, let alone a grocery store! If my biggest concern was his qualifications or policies, I could break down the political system for her. Sure, I’d still be worried about our future and angry, but at least I could explain it.
I’m grateful that my daughter attends a school with a diverse student body. But how do I explain the support for a man who has labeled people from Mexico as rapists, refused to denounce the KKK, openly mocked individuals with disabilities, and has faced numerous lawsuits for discrimination? Each of his daily statements, which should send any sane person running for the hills, feel like just the tip of the iceberg of his unapologetic racism. At least in his casinos, the buffets are free—this one comes at a high cost, plus a side of misogyny.
Instilling Values in My Daughter
How do I talk to my daughter, a young girl who will grow into a woman, about the things Trump has said and the existence of people who overlook his hateful rhetoric so easily? How do I explain voting for a man who constantly judges women on their appearance, calls them names, and objectifies them? What message does this send to my daughter? How can I teach her to value herself and understand that her worth isn’t dictated by others? How do I instill in her that people are equally valuable, regardless of gender, race, or appearance, when the opposite message is broadcast from the highest office in the land?
My Own Struggles
What about me? Normally, I can adopt a “live and let live” attitude. Sure, I’ve created a bubble of liberalism around myself. I live in a progressive neighborhood in a state that is growing more conservative. My social media reflects that. I’ve long since abandoned the need to keep everyone I’ve ever met in my friend list. If someone like Tim from kindergarten believes that Obama is a secret Muslim, I’ve got no reason to keep him around.
There’s a distinction between deciding who to allow in your inner circle and silencing dissenters. What does it say about our society that I hesitate to share this? I’ve been open about my struggles with mental health and motherhood, and while I’ve faced backlash online, it’s never frightened me. Yet here I am, feeling trepidation about this piece, which shouldn’t be controversial by any means.
I’m scared because Trump has repeatedly rallied his followers against those who disagree with him. This fear is troubling, as it reflects a broader culture of suppression stemming from a presidential candidate. Yes, I could choose to rewrite this or publish it anonymously, but it saddens me that I feel the need to do so. This isn’t just about my words; it’s about the prevailing atmosphere of fear.
The Importance of Speaking Out
In a country that prides itself on free speech, I feel silenced, and that sends a powerful message to my children. I’ve thought about fear and suppression in subtle ways, how our silence can shape our kids’ perceptions. Ultimately, I decided that the risk of being quiet outweighed the risk of speaking out. Sure, I might encounter some unkind comments, but it’s better for me to face them than for my kids to absorb those hurtful ideas through my silence.
Resources for Further Reading
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Conclusion
In summary, raising kids in today’s climate requires us to confront uncomfortable truths and model resilience. We must teach them the importance of self-worth and empathy, even when the world around us feels hostile.