Recently, a conversation with my mother-in-law left me taken aback. After spending time with my son, she mentioned a troubling comment made by our President. Intrigued, I watched a news clip she shared, only to find myself shrugging it off. Was this remark truly different from the countless others that have dominated the headlines? As my husband and I went about our evening routine—preparing dinner, engaging with our children, and eventually tucking them in—I failed to consider the implications of the day’s news.
However, in the stillness of the night, I turned to my laptop and immersed myself in the coverage. An unsettling feeling began to stir within me, one I hadn’t experienced in a long time. Hours later, I lay awake, grappling with a growing sense of anger. It soon became clear that this rage stemmed from my own complacency. I had become so desensitized by a year filled with turmoil—tweets that shocked, saddened, and angered—that I had accepted the President’s derogatory language about entire nations as just another news story to gloss over.
But hold on. This isn’t normal. When did I start to accept that the extraordinary had morphed into the ordinary? Days have passed since those inflammatory comments, and the situation has become increasingly politicized. Yet, the crux of the matter transcends politics; it centers on our humanity and the respect we owe to one another.
Traditionally, we expect our leaders to embody the values that define our nation. Nowadays, it seems we are searching for justifications for the President’s troubling rhetoric. As parents, this should deeply concern us. We must confront some challenging questions: What harm arises from our complacency? Are we comfortable raising our children in a society where the President disparages other nations and their people? How can we instill American principles in our children when those in power fail to uphold them? What actions are we prepared to take as parents, individuals, and citizens to foster a society that is kinder, safer, and more respectful to everyone, regardless of their background, beliefs, or appearance?
Honestly, I don’t possess all the answers. Parenting is challenging, and I certainly don’t have the authority to dispense advice. What I do know is that we stand at a crossroads. Our children’s futures are at stake—what we teach them will shape the nation and world they inherit. We can either ignore the hatred propagated by our leaders or rise up against it, demonstrating through our words and actions that our values are rooted in liberty, justice, and tolerance, as enshrined in the Constitution. It’s our responsibility to show our children what these principles mean.
As a child, I often passed by a print of Norman Rockwell’s Golden Rule in my school. The serious expressions of the faces depicted puzzled me, as the message seemed straightforward. Now, with age, I find those words resonate more deeply: “DO UNTO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD HAVE THEM DO UNTO YOU.” Imagine what our nation might look like if our leaders adhered to this principle—or if we all did.
While the past year has presented its challenges, I believe there is still room for optimism. Americans are inherently hopeful, desiring a better future for ourselves and our children. Change is within our grasp, but we must recognize our power to effect it. After all, our children are observing our actions and responses.
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In summary, the remarks made by our leaders compel us to question what kind of world we are creating for our children. As active participants in this society, it is our duty to instill values of respect, dignity, and kindness in the next generation.