I participated in my first social protest at the tender age of 9. Standing alongside my mother, I held a handmade sign that expressed my beliefs. Pride surged within me; I felt as if I was part of something larger, contributing meaningfully to societal change. I didn’t feel exploited or like a mere accessory. I understood the cause behind my actions.
I strive to pass this legacy on to my own children. Civic engagement is crucial, and one of its most vital expressions today is protest. This past summer, my family joined demonstrations against the presence of the Confederate flag on public grounds. More recently, we protested the executive order banning Muslim immigration. We engaged in all the typical activities of a protest: creating signs, ensuring my eldest child, who is 8, had one while my younger ones, aged 4 and 6, played nearby. We listened to speakers, conversed with fellow activists, and faced a mix of honks and jeers from passersby.
In essence, we were citizens participating in a democratic process, demonstrating that activism knows no age limit. I made it a priority that my oldest child didn’t feel like a mere prop; we discussed the implications of the Confederate flag, touching on themes of discrimination and the Civil Rights Movement, including the tragic events of the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church shooting. It was a heavy conversation, but necessary for him to grasp why the flag must be removed.
When addressing the Muslim ban, we engaged with the First Amendment and read “The New Colossus,” the famous poem inscribed on the Statue of Liberty. We explored the plight of refugees and the importance of welcoming those seeking safety in America. My son articulated our stance: “We protest the Muslim ban because it violates the Bill of Rights.” At his age, that understanding was remarkable.
I take pride in teaching my children that their voices hold power. While the younger two may have been distracted, their presence reinforced the idea that standing up for justice is a normal aspect of life. My eldest carried a sign just like the adults, even if he was more interested in playing at times. His presence indicated his disagreement with the ban and his desire to be heard.
Some critics label this as indoctrination, a term I find overly harsh. Just as we guide our children in their spiritual beliefs or views on nutrition and education, sharing our political beliefs is part of parenting. As they grow, I expect them to develop their own perspectives, and I won’t force them to protest if they choose not to. This distinction is key: teaching is voluntary, while indoctrination implies compulsion.
Yes, I exposed my son to dissenting voices as we stood on the sidewalk. Some passersby cheered us on, while others shouted opposing views. I explained that while these individuals disagreed with us, they had every right to express their opinions. It was important for him to see that disagreement exists within our community and that not everyone shares our perspective on the Muslim ban. This experience sparked numerous discussions between us.
I am proud to involve my children in protests—not as mere props but as emerging citizens engaging in the democratic process. We stand up for what we believe is right, and I encourage other parents to do the same. Teach your children your beliefs, and foster their own understanding of civic responsibility. Perhaps we’ll cross paths at the next demonstration, united in our commitment to shaping the world around us.
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In summary, involving children in activism fosters their understanding of civic duties, teaches them about social issues, and encourages critical thinking. This approach is not about indoctrination; it’s about empowering future generations to voice their beliefs and participate actively in democracy.