In the early 1900s, we witnessed the Suffragette movement fighting for women’s voting rights. The 1930s were marked by the Great Depression, while the 1950s and ’60s saw the rise of Civil Rights protests. The ’70s brought student-led opposition to the Vietnam War, and the ’80s were overshadowed by the Iran-Contra affair and Cold War tensions. The ’90s? A chaotic mix punctuated by the WTO riots in the Northwest. Fast forward to the 2000s, and we found ourselves grappling with the longest war in U.S. history—the Iraq War—alongside the Occupy Wall Street movement protesting corporate greed.
Now, as we approach the end of our second decade in the 21st century, many are feeling the urge to protest again. Just like in the 1950s, the Black Lives Matter movement has sparked conversations about justice, fueled by the immediacy of social media. We’ve witnessed protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline, which threatens sacred land and violates historic treaties. And remember the unprecedented turnout for women’s marches the day after the inauguration of our 45th president? It’s a time when many are worried about what the government is becoming—concerned that history might just be on repeat.
But unlike 60 years ago, we live in an era where knowledge about our rights and the power of protest is more accessible than ever. As parents, we have the opportunity to teach our children about their First Amendment rights and how to incorporate advocacy into their daily lives—not just for themselves, but for those who may not have a voice.
“Silence strengthens authority.” – Leonardo da Vinci
Recently, I stumbled upon a social media post from someone suggesting, “Kids should be in school, not protests.” I found this notion quite disturbing. This implication that parents who allow their kids to protest are somehow failing them is not only insulting but also an attack on the spirit of our youth. It prompted me to reflect on how we’re raising our daughter to advocate for her rights and the rights of others, showing her that exercising these rights can be one of the most powerful lessons we can impart.
I grew up with a “speak only when spoken to” mentality, often remaining silent until I reached adulthood. It wasn’t until I moved out that I realized the world doesn’t revolve around me. Our daughter, on the other hand, has always had a strong sense of justice, often defending those who are marginalized. Her first protest experience was on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, where we discussed the essence of Dr. King’s message—not just what’s regurgitated in school. We participated in a local march, focusing on genuine community engagement rather than grandiose parades.
Protesting Beyond the Streets
Protesting is not limited to gathering in the streets. We must instill in our children the importance of advocating for what they believe in every day. Here are some ways we teach our daughter to be vocal:
- If you see a teacher mistreating a student, speak up.
- Want to attend a community event instead of school? Tell us why and how we can help.
- Feeling mistreated in public? Make eye contact, raise your voice, and reach out for support.
- Witnessing police intimidation? Document it, call for help, and stand in solidarity with those affected.
- Experiencing sexism? Be assertive; don’t let it slide.
- Learning false history? Challenge it respectfully and educate your peers.
- Upset about global issues? Stay calm, research thoroughly, and then act wisely.
- Disturbed by homelessness, animal cruelty, or any injustice? Find ways to contribute positively in your community.
- Encounter someone in need? Offer kindness, buy a meal, and perhaps start a dialogue.
These are the lessons I wish I had learned earlier; they empower young minds and help define their identities as compassionate individuals. They illustrate the potential we all have to effect change beyond our immediate surroundings.
To those who believe children should stick to textbooks instead of protests, I counter that life is the ultimate classroom. In school, my child learned math, history (albeit distorted), and geography. But through activism, she’s gained invaluable lessons on compassion, human rights, and civic engagement. For more on this subject, check out this insightful post about home insemination and consider resources like UCSF Center for Reproductive Health for comprehensive information.
In summary, as parents, we should support our children as they navigate their identities and advocate for their beliefs. Let’s use real-world events as a teaching tool, fostering a sense of empathy in a world that sometimes feels devoid of it.