The inspiration for this piece came when my 5-year-old daughter, Lily, announced that she wanted to dress as a female political leader for Halloween this year. My partner, Mia, and I decided to support her choice by donning Secret Service agent costumes as we accompanied her on her trick-or-treating adventure. I even went so far as to shave for the occasion.
Initially, I didn’t plan to share this moment publicly. While I’ve built a modest following by creating humorous family photos online, this particular image was meant to be a personal keepsake—a joyful way to commemorate a significant moment in our daughter’s life.
Lily’s fascination with female leadership began months prior when she and her pre-K classmates discovered that no woman had ever held the highest office in our country. I later learned that her entire class—both girls and boys—were baffled by this fact; the possibility of a woman as president had never crossed their minds. Upon returning home, Lily looked at me with excitement: “Daddy, Daddy! Who are you going to vote for in the election?”
Caught off guard, I realized that Mia and I had never mentioned the election to her, yet she was eager for my answer about a race I was still contemplating. “Well, who do you think I should vote for?” I asked.
“Hillary! Please, please vote for Hillary!”
“Hillary, huh? Why do you want me to vote for her?”
“Because she’ll be the first Girl President! You have to vote for her!”
“Alright, we’ll see,” I replied, giving her my usual dad response.
In that moment, I envied her innocent perspective on the election. It was clear she hadn’t been influenced by social media or bombarded with the negative narratives surrounding various candidates. She was oblivious to the controversies, debates, and criticisms that often overshadow political discussions.
Children often lament about fairness, usually regarding minor inconveniences such as wanting dessert before dinner. I sometimes wonder how Lily will react when she learns about the more profound injustices in the world. Will she become cynical, or will she learn to advocate for those who are marginalized? Time will reveal who she becomes, but for now, it’s refreshing to see the world through her untainted lens.
Along with my envy, I felt immense pride in her response to a harsh reality of American history. Rather than becoming disheartened, she chose to take action, aspiring to rectify what she perceived as unjust. This enthusiasm has remained steadfast; she frequently asks her grandparents about their voting choices and has even engaged adults at social gatherings about the election.
As a political independent living in a predominantly Democratic state, I eventually cast my vote. The day of the primary, Lily noticed my “I Voted” sticker and urged me to reveal my choice. When I nodded affirmatively about voting for her preferred candidate, she hugged me tightly, exclaiming, “Thank you, Daddy! I just know she’s going to win!”
That moment made me realize that Lily’s straightforward outlook on the election was a refreshing perspective that I needed. Her unyielding enthusiasm has been a source of light during what has been a challenging and draining political season.
I originally intended to keep our Halloween photo private, but after sharing it with a few friends, it sparked joy and positivity. In a time filled with negativity and divisiveness, Lily’s innocent excitement offered a glimpse of hope.
Of course, I hesitated to share it widely, concerned about the potential backlash in today’s hyper-political climate. Unfortunately, many individuals face hostility for expressing their beliefs, including children whose opinions are ridiculed. Even so, when I discussed the possibility of sharing the image with Lily, her response was simple: “Who cares? I want people to see it.”
Her resilience inspires me and gives me hope for the future, and this election season, I stand with her.
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In summary, my daughter’s unwavering support for a female political figure represents a glimmer of hope amidst a challenging political landscape. Her innocent perspective serves as a reminder that positivity and enthusiasm can inspire those around us.