In the early 20th century, we witnessed significant movements for social justice. The Suffragettes fought for women’s voting rights, while the Great Depression in the 1930s marked a time of economic hardship. The Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and ’60s brought attention to racial injustice, and the Vietnam War protests of the ’70s demonstrated the power of youth activism. The ’80s were dominated by geopolitical tensions, and the ’90s saw protests like the WTO riots in the Pacific Northwest. As we entered the 21st century, the Iraq War began, accompanied by movements like Occupy Wall Street, challenging the financial elite.
Now, as we approach the end of the second decade of this century, it appears that history is, once again, repeating itself. The Black Lives Matter movement has emerged, ignited by events that echo the injustices of the past, but this time we have social media to amplify voices in real-time. Protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline have highlighted the ongoing violation of treaties with Indigenous peoples, while millions participated in the women’s rights marches the day after the inauguration of a president whose past behavior sparked widespread controversy. The early days of his administration saw executive orders that raised concerns about civil liberties and artistic expression.
People are understandably alarmed by the direction of their government, fearing a return to cycles of oppression. However, unlike 60 years ago, today’s citizens are better informed about their rights and the importance of advocacy. So, how do we, as parents, instill in our children the knowledge of their right to assemble and the courage to question authority? It’s essential to teach them that advocacy isn’t just about their rights—it’s also about defending the rights of others. We need to encourage them to reject the “it doesn’t affect me” mentality and understand that their privilege can be a tool for positive change.
Leonardo da Vinci once said, “Nothing strengthens authority so much as silence.” Recently, I came across a post on social media that suggested, “Children should be in school, not protests.” This sentiment struck me deeply. The implication that parents who encourage their children to protest are somehow failing in their duties is both insulting and misguided. Children who engage in protests are not misbehaving; they are learning to use their voices effectively.
Reflecting on my upbringing, I realize I was raised with a “Don’t speak unless you are spoken to” mentality. I didn’t discover my own beliefs or engage in advocacy until I was well into adulthood. My daughter, on the other hand, began standing up for those facing racism and classism at a young age. We introduced her to the significance of protests when she participated in a local march on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, where we discussed the true essence of Dr. King’s message beyond school textbooks.
Teaching our children that “protest” extends beyond group gatherings is crucial. They should learn to assert themselves respectfully in everyday situations. Here are some ways we have guided our daughter in advocating for herself and others:
- If she sees a teacher treating a minority student unfairly, she should stand in solidarity with that student.
- If there’s a community event she wishes to attend during school hours, she should articulate her reasons and seek our support to attend appropriately.
- If she feels mistreated in public, she should know to make eye contact, speak up, and reach out for help.
- If law enforcement is misusing their authority, she should document the situation and remain calm while supporting the victim.
- If she encounters sexism or harassment, she should assert herself and refuse to remain passive.
- If her school presents distorted historical narratives, she should respectfully question and seek the truth.
- If she feels anger about global issues, she should pause, research, and organize her thoughts before taking action.
- If she sees injustice like homelessness or animal cruelty, she should take small steps to help, such as volunteering or making donations.
These are lessons I wish had been imparted to me as a child. Learning to advocate not only benefits immediate issues but also fosters a deeper understanding of one’s self and the power to influence change.
In response to the notion that children should remain in classrooms rather than participate in protests, I assert that the world offers invaluable lessons. While formal education covers academics, the experience of engaging in social justice teaches compassion, resilience, and a profound understanding of rights. If you want to delve deeper into topics related to pregnancy and home insemination, you can explore this excellent resource by the CDC. Additionally, for insights on home insemination, visit Make A Mom.
Ultimately, I aspire to support my child as she discovers her voice and stands up for her beliefs, regardless of whether they align with mine. My hope is that as parents, we can leverage the current events around us to foster a sense of compassion and awareness in our children.
Summary:
In an era where social justice movements are prominent, it’s crucial to teach our children not just about their rights but also about advocating for others. By engaging in protests and standing up against injustice, children learn valuable life lessons that formal education may not provide. As parents, we should encourage them to use their voices and privileges to effect positive change in the world.