In a recent moment that sparked concern, Donald Trump ridiculed fellow politician John Kasich over his eating habits, stating, “This guy takes a pancake, and he’s shoving it in his mouth. It’s disgusting.” This sort of mockery raises serious questions about the kind of behavior we want to see in our leaders.
As a mom of three boys, I often find myself mediating their interactions, teaching them about respect and the weight of their words. It’s a struggle to instill values in a world where public figures often set poor examples. The adage “it takes a village” resonates deeply with me. We rely on a community of friends, family, and even public figures to help guide our children towards kindness and understanding.
In my household, I often hear hurtful words like “stupid” and the R-word being tossed around. While I understand that these terms have been common for years, I strive to teach my sons that they can cause real harm. With a 14-year-old daughter who has autism, I emphasize the importance of empathy. Sadly, the current political climate sometimes feels like a regression to a time when individuals with disabilities were marginalized.
This election season is the first for my boys to truly engage with politics, and while I hoped it would be a valuable learning experience, I find myself often redirecting their focus away from negative rhetoric. I would prefer they learn about character and integrity, which are more abundant in sports programming than in the news. For instance, I was heartened recently when a professional athlete shared how his sister with developmental disabilities inspires him, showcasing the importance of compassion.
At the end of the day, I hope to remind my kids that words matter. They can uplift or tear down, and it’s crucial that we choose them wisely.
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In summary, it’s vital that we hold our leaders to a higher standard, especially when it comes to the treatment of individuals with special needs. By teaching empathy and respect, we can work towards a more inclusive society.