Every morning feels like a waking nightmare in which we’re surrounded by those who support Donald Trump’s bid for the presidency. My feelings towards these supporters are quite clear—I’ve even suggested they disconnect from me on social media. Honestly, anyone who supports Trump likely won’t enjoy my posts, and I doubt I’ll change their minds.
Then there are those who think Trump is a poor choice but are convinced that voting for Hillary is worse. How do I handle conversations with these individuals? What do I tell my children about this?
I absolutely refuse to sugarcoat Trump for my 6-year-old daughter. But when she questions me about his supporters, I often find myself at a loss for words. There are countless political reasons why I believe Trump is unfit to lead, but explaining these complex issues to a child can be daunting. It’s not just about his qualifications or his policies; it’s about the hateful rhetoric he’s used, from labeling people from Mexico as rapists to refusing to denounce the KKK.
How do I explain to my daughter that there are people who overlook such blatant discrimination? She attends a wonderfully diverse school, so it makes it even more challenging to reconcile the support of someone who has openly mocked the disabled and engaged in misogyny. What message does this send to her, especially as a young girl and future woman? How can I raise her to believe in her own value when the opposite message is being amplified from the highest office in the land?
Normally, I try to adopt a live-and-let-live attitude. I’ve created a liberal bubble around myself, residing in a predominantly progressive community. My social circles reflect these views, so I’ve long stopped feeling the need to maintain connections with those who hold radically different beliefs. If someone thinks Obama is inherently evil, I see no reason to keep them in my life.
However, there’s a stark difference between choosing who to engage with and silencing dissenting voices. It troubles me that I feel hesitant to publish this piece. I’ve been open about my mental health struggles and my journey through motherhood, yet this particular topic brings a new level of fear. Trump has incited his followers to take action against dissenters, and that fear seems to be a direct result of his candidacy.
While I could choose to publish this anonymously, it saddens me that I even have to consider that option. This isn’t just about the content of my words; it’s reflective of a broader culture of fear that we’ve entered. In a nation that prides itself on free speech, I find myself feeling silenced. What does that say to my children?
I’ve been pondering the implications of fear and suppression, and how subtly we shape our children’s beliefs about themselves and their world. The risk of remaining silent seems far greater than the potential backlash of speaking up. Sure, I may invite unkind comments, but it’s important for my kids to see me standing up for my beliefs rather than quietly accepting the status quo.
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Summary:
In examining the implications of a Trump presidency on our children, we confront the complexities of discussing hateful rhetoric and societal attitudes. As parents, it’s crucial to foster a sense of self-worth in our children while navigating the fear and suppression prevalent in today’s political climate.
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