The whole uproar around the remarks President Obama will deliver to our children tomorrow has been stewing in my mind and in my heart for the last week. I understand and respect that not everyone agrees with my point-of-view. I don't expect them to and -in fact- I love a spirited debate with folks from opposing views. I think it keeps me sharp and I believe we can always learn from each other.
I have heard the phrase "I don't want my children indoctrinated." This is stunning to me. I heard this before the White House even released the content of the speech. I would argue that the smart person looks at the content of something before dismissing it out of hand. The content of the speech is something we all need to be reminded of - the value of hard work, the opportunity available to anyone who works hard and believes in the power of their dreams. If you are going to "indoctrinate" someone I would hope it would be into that mindset. This isn't a democrat or republican ideal. No one school of thought owns this way of thinking. We all do. It's a key element to being human and a cornerstone of American culture.
Here's an idea. How about engaging your child(ren) in a debate after the speech? Watch it together. Read it together. If the President says something that is contrary to what your family believes, point it out. Explain why you feel the way you do. Ask for your kids opinions. Let them test the waters of expressing themselves to you. I believe that the fair thing is to expose children to all sides of an issue in a way that is appropriate to age and understanding. This sharpens their critical thinking ability. A person with a 360 view is better able to engage in discussion and seek common ground. The ability to facilitate opposing viewpoints to reach agreement is a valuable skill.
I get so angry at people who go right to partisanship. Listening to the President is not a signal that you agree with him or his policies. It is however, a sign of respect for the office. I happen to be a liberal democrat. I wanted to pull my hair out every time George W. Bush opened his mouth. But, he was the President and I listened - anyone who shoulders the problems of a whole country deserves that. I believe that doing so made me smarter, more aware, and better able to engage in conversation. It did not make me a republican.
President Bush delivered a similar address during his tenure in office. I remember hardly any uproar. And those kids were not "indoctrinated" (at least to my knowledge). I think the difference here is that our ability to communicate effectively via electronic methods has grown so dramatically. It's easier and cheaper to reach out to anyone and everyone - and our kids are the savviest of all.
Tomorrow is an opportunity. For discussion. For inspiration. For the reinforcement of the message of our value system. Plug in.
Peace.
1 comment:
Right on, Tee. I, too, listened when W spoke, no matter how angry and disgusted it made me. And I encouraged my children to listen, too (although it's possible my inability to censor some of my side comments may have led to some "indoctrination"!). It is interesting to read this after having watched the President's address to congress a couple of nights ago. Perhaps Joe Wilson would benefit from reading your post, as well.
Post a Comment