We are losing the election
Adapted from Facebook post originally written on November 4th by guest blogger who teaches middle school.
We are losing the election. Not in the sense that a particular party is winning or losing, but we are losing the future generations of America due to our conduct in this election season.
I recently had a discussion with my students in which I asked them how they think our society is handling this election. Their responses hurt my heart and convicted me. Some said that people were openly insulting the candidate they disagreed with. They knew of many sarcastic memes that were posted to social media. Others wondered why each candidate seemed to spend so much time talking about what the other candidate was doing wrong but not enough time talking about what they themselves would do for America. Others pointed out that each house seemed to be labeling itself by a red dot or a blue dot and that people in general made fun of those they disagreed with.
When did we lose the election?
- We lost when we let anger, bitterness, and frustration take over.
- We lost with the click of a button as we posted political memes and derogatory comments, hoping our passive aggressive attempts would be noticed by those we most disagreed with.
- We lost in conversations around the dinner table as we laughed at the arrogance of the other party when we ourselves were laughing in arrogance.
In our attitudes and our actions, we have forgotten that younger generations are watching. How will they respond in future elections? This is the example we have given them. But it’s not too late to turn it around.
Families, I urge you - No matter which candidate wins the election, will we show our kids what it is like to be an American citizen - speaking truth with grace, refraining from name-calling and disrespect, praying for whichever President is next?
Regardless of who wins, will we commit to win by our conduct in front of our young people? It starts with you. It starts with me.
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by Ari Berg
Bellevue, NE