You know that feeling when you wake up from a nightmare only to realize it’s still happening? Every day, we face a reality where people actively support Donald Trump for president of the United States.
My feelings about these individuals are quite clear. I’ve encouraged them to unfriend me on social media; after all, anyone who supports Trump likely wouldn’t appreciate my views. Changing their minds seems unlikely.
But what about those who find Trump unfit for the presidency yet are convinced that Hillary is the ultimate evil? I’m uncertain how to address that.
What do I tell my daughter? My son?
I don’t hide the truth about Trump from my daughter, who is just six years old. However, when she inquires about those who support him, I often find myself at a loss for words. There are countless political reasons I believe Donald Trump poses a danger to our nation and is wholly unqualified for the presidency. If my primary concern were merely his lack of qualifications or his proposed policies, I could break it down for her in terms she might grasp. But the stakes feel so much higher.
I’m grateful that she attends a school with a diverse student body. How do I explain the support for a man who has labeled immigrants from Mexico as rapists, has refused to denounce the KKK, and has openly mocked individuals with disabilities? Each of his daily remarks should, by all rights, be enough to diminish his appeal; yet they seem to be merely minor transgressions in comparison to his unapologetic racism. At least in his casinos, the buffets are free, but this one comes at a high cost and is garnished with misogyny.
How do I explain to my daughter, a young girl and future woman, not only Trump’s words but also the existence of those who support him or turn a blind eye to his hateful rhetoric? How do I justify voting for a man who harshly critiques women based on their appearance, refers to them in derogatory terms, and has no empathy for those he deems unattractive? What message does my daughter receive from this? How do I instill in her the belief that her self-worth is inherent and not dictated by others? How can I teach her that a person’s value is not determined by their gender, race, or appearance when even the highest office seems to endorse the opposite?
What does this reality mean for me? Typically, I embrace a “live and let live” philosophy. Yes, I’ve created a liberal bubble around myself, living in a neighborhood that leans heavily left in a state that is increasingly conservative. My social media reflects this. The days of feeling obligated to connect with everyone I’ve met are long gone. If someone from my past holds prejudiced beliefs, I feel no need to maintain that connection.
There is a distinct difference between choosing not to engage with those whose views clash with mine and remaining silent about it.
What does it signify that I feel apprehensive about sharing my thoughts? I’ve openly discussed my struggles with mental health and have candidly shared my experiences of motherhood. Trolls online don’t intimidate me; their words may sting, but they don’t instill fear.
Yet here I am, feeling afraid to express my views. It’s alarming that a presidential candidate has incited fear among those who disagree with him. This fear isn’t just about expressing myself; it’s about the broader culture of fear that has taken hold. In a country built on the principles of free speech and a free press, I find myself feeling silenced—and that sends a powerful message to my children.
I’ve pondered the implications of fear, suppression, and the subtle ways we shape our children’s beliefs. The risks of remaining silent outweigh the dangers of speaking out. While I may attract negative comments, it’s better for me to face them than for my kids to internalize that silence.
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In summary, the ramifications of a Trump candidacy extend beyond politics; they affect how we raise our children, instilling in them the values of self-worth and understanding in a world that often seems to promote the opposite.