In the early 1900s, we witnessed the determined efforts of the Suffragettes fighting for women’s right to vote. The Great Depression shaped the 1930s, while the 1950s and 60s were marked by the Civil Rights Movement. The 1970s had student-led protests against the Vietnam War, and the 1980s were dominated by events like the Iran-Contra affair amidst the Cold War. The 1990s saw protests against the World Trade Organization right here in the Northwest. Fast forward to the 2000s, which began with the Iraq War—the longest conflict in U.S. history—and movements like Occupy Wall Street challenging corporate greed.
As we approach the end of the second decade of the 21st century, it feels like history is repeating itself. The Black Lives Matter movement has emerged, ignited by events that echo the injustices faced in the 1950s. However, this time we have the immense power of the internet and social media, which bring injustices to light in real-time. We’ve seen protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline, which violates treaties made with the Great Sioux Nation, and the Women’s March, where millions rallied the day after the inauguration of a president with a controversial past.
People are concerned about the direction our government is taking, fearing that history may repeat itself. Yet, one key difference today is that we are more informed about our rights and have found our voices. We will not be silenced.
As parents, we must educate our children not just about their right to protest, as outlined in the First Amendment, but also about the importance of questioning norms and defending the rights of others. We need to instill in them the courage to speak out for those who may not have a voice and to resist the selfish mindset that tells them, “it doesn’t affect me.” Instead, they should understand that the issues facing others impact all of us, and they should use whatever privilege they have for good.
I recently came across a post from an acquaintance stating, “Children should be in school, not protests.” This deeply upset me. The implication that parents who encourage their kids to protest are somehow failing them is both insulting and misguided. I realized I needed to reflect on how we’ve taught our daughter to advocate for herself and others, and to highlight how engaging in protest can be one of the best lessons we can impart.
Growing up, I was taught to remain silent unless spoken to, and I didn’t truly find my voice until I was an adult. But my daughter, from a young age, began standing up against injustice, whether it was racism or classism. Her first experience with protest was on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, where we discussed Dr. King’s true legacy beyond what was taught in school. We participated in a grassroots march in Seattle, fostering a deeper understanding of activism.
It’s crucial to understand that “protest” extends beyond just gathering in the streets. We must teach our children to advocate every day. Here are some principles we’ve instilled in our daughter over the years:
- If a teacher mistreats a student, she should stand up and speak out.
- If there’s a community event during school hours, she should express her desire to participate and we will support her.
- If she feels unsafe or mistreated in public, she should make eye contact, raise her voice, and seek help.
- If she witnesses misuse of power, like police intimidation, she should document it respectfully and stand by the victim.
- If she experiences sexism or harassment, she should assert herself and not ignore it.
- If history lessons in school are misleading, she should question them, stay informed, and educate her peers.
- If she’s upset about a global issue, she should pause, research, and act intelligently rather than react impulsively.
- If she sees social issues like homelessness, she should find ways to help locally, whether through donations or volunteering.
These are the lessons I wish I had learned early on. They empower our children to understand themselves and their potential to effect change in the world.
So, in response to the notion that children belong in schools rather than protests, I assert that the world offers invaluable lessons. In school, my child learned basic subjects, but through activism, she has gained compassion, awareness of rights, and understanding of social justice.
As parents, we have the responsibility to equip our children with these vital tools for growth and advocacy, helping them navigate their beliefs and values, even when they differ from our own.
I hope that you, as a parent, can support your child in finding their voice and using it for what they believe in. And as a human being, I encourage you to turn the events of our time into a framework for raising compassionate individuals.
For further insights on navigating parenthood, check out this resource and if you’re interested in fertility, you can learn more about it at Make a Mom. Additionally, CDC’s FAQ is a valuable tool for understanding pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary: Teaching our children to advocate for themselves and others is crucial in today’s world. By encouraging them to question injustices and stand up for what they believe in, we empower them to create change. The lessons learned through activism provide invaluable insights that go beyond traditional education, equipping them for a compassionate and engaged life.