Reflecting on my childhood, I remember a time when the political landscape felt relatively uneventful. I was just a young child when President Reagan took office, and I can’t recall his election or the subsequent assassination attempt shortly thereafter. What I do remember vividly are family dinners in the living room, glued to the television for State of the Union addresses and various presidential speeches—a special occasion for us kids, despite my annoyance at the interruption of my favorite shows. Yet, I watched these events unfold because my parents were engaged, there was little else to divert my attention, and deep down, I recognized their significance.
In that era, political leaders commanded a certain respect and dignity. A presidential address was a noteworthy event in a time before around-the-clock news coverage and digital media. While the occasional attack ad might surface, presidents typically maintained a demeanor befitting their office.
Today, however, our children are growing up in a vastly different political climate. They have not experienced the dramatic moments of the 1990s, like the Clinton scandal or the contentious Bush-Gore election. Instead, they are inundated with the chaos of the 2016 election cycle—a time marked by insults, violence, and a lack of civility that has marred the political discourse.
In my household, we refrain from bringing our children into the living room for the unseemly debates that characterize this election. There is little that compels us to impart the message that this is essential work or that these individuals have valuable insights to share. Instead, we often find ourselves at the dinner table, TV off, discussing not just the political issues at hand but also the fundamental principles of respectful behavior we expect from ourselves and our leaders. My children are aware of the world around them, even if we don’t watch it unfold together.
I often contemplate how this tumultuous political environment will shape my children’s perspectives. Will they come to view politics as a perpetual spectacle of negativity, or will they hold out hope for leaders who embody respect and integrity, regardless of their political affiliations?
Growing up in the 1980s may have felt dull, but it was likely because the political climate was more composed and mature. During that time, we carried genuine fears about the Cold War, worrying about nuclear threats and engaging with topics like arms control summits as they became prevalent. The meetings between Reagan and Gorbachev on nuclear disarmament were significant events.
While I harbored concerns about global tensions, I never feared that my president would act impulsively or behave inappropriately on the world stage. I trusted that our leaders would act with the seriousness and maturity expected of them.
Today’s youth face their own set of worries, primarily related to terrorism and the tragic realities of school shootings. Unlike my generation, they are not familiar with the Cold War, which feels like ancient history to them. Instead, they grapple with fears that are all too present in their lives.
There will always be frightening realities. However, our political leaders should not be among those fears. We should not have to shield our children from the erratic and often vulgar behavior of those in power. What we need are adults in leadership who exhibit the maturity and decorum expected of their roles.
My aspiration for my children is that they can trust our political system and its leaders to be deserving of respect and credibility. Perhaps then, I can share a debate or presidential speech with them, allowing them to witness genuine statesmanship rather than the current chaos—something I would gladly endorse in a future election.
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Summary:
This reflection highlights the stark contrast between the political climate of the past and the present. It examines how the current chaotic political environment affects children’s perceptions of leadership and governance. The author expresses a desire for a return to meaningful, respectful political engagement, hoping that future generations will not only demand but also deserve leaders who embody integrity.