As a child in the 1980s, I experienced a political landscape that seemed, at least from the perspective of my elementary school self, rather dull. I was just 5 years old when President Reagan took office, a moment I have no memory of. The attempt on his life in 1981 also slipped by me unnoticed. What stands out in my mind are the family dinners, gathered around the TV set for State of the Union addresses—what a treat for us kids when the President was on! I often felt a twinge of annoyance as my favorite shows were interrupted, but my parents watched intently, and I sensed that these moments were significant.
In those days, political figures held an undeniable gravitas. The President’s television appearances were events that broke the monotony of the pre-24/7 news era. Typically, aside from the occasional attack ad, Presidents maintained an image of dignity and decorum.
Today, however, our children are confronted with a vastly different political environment. They missed the intense drama of the late 20th century, such as the Clinton scandal or the 2000 Bush-Gore election debacle. Instead, they are immersed in the chaotic landscape of 2016, which is characterized by hostility, violence, and behavior that often lacks the maturity expected from our leaders. In our home, we intentionally choose not to gather around the TV for the contentious debates. There’s little about this campaign that feels worthy of our children’s attention, leading us to discuss the importance of civility and integrity instead.
I can’t help but wonder how this turbulent political climate will shape my children’s perceptions. Will they come to expect politics to be an ongoing spectacle of insults and chaos? Or will they aspire to hold their leaders to a higher standard, demanding respect regardless of political affiliations?
For someone who grew up in the ’80s, the political scene may have seemed uneventful, but that was likely due to the elevated discourse of the time. We had legitimate concerns about the Cold War and its implications, and I remember feeling anxious about nuclear threats as I began to understand the significance of U.S.-Soviet negotiations. The meetings between Reagan and Gorbachev, aimed at nuclear disarmament, were monumental events in my youth.
My children, however, face different fears. To them, the Cold War is a distant memory, overshadowed by the looming threats of terrorism and mass violence. The aftermath of September 11 resonates more deeply with them than any Cold War anxiety could with me. Their reality involves lockdown drills and the constant fear of violence in schools—something I never experienced in my youth.
While fear is an enduring part of childhood, it shouldn’t stem from the very leaders we rely on for guidance. We should not have to shield our children from the erratic and inappropriate behavior of those in power. My hope for my children is that they can trust in our political system and its leaders, so that one day, I might once again turn on a debate or a presidential address and bore them with the kind of reliable statesmanship I once knew. If only I could vote for that kind of leadership in the upcoming election.
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In summary, the political landscape that shaped my childhood was one of stability and maturity, a stark contrast to what our children face today. My wish is for a future where politics is characterized by respect and integrity, allowing our children to engage with it without fear or disdain.