It's funny, 8 years ago my friend who teaches in an inner city school saw her students light up for the first time after an election saying things like - "I wanna be President." But after this election, she had to stop the class and reassure her students that there were laws against slavery in this country and that as American citizens they can not be shipped back to Africa on a boat.
How sad.
Strictly speaking of only these things. 1. How he ran his campaign and 2. The public persona that he projected, it makes me want to say to my children "You can be anything you want to be - except President of the United States."
How sad.
What makes me sick about this election is that it felt like Junior High all over again. The bully won. The liar, the pot stirrer, the rich kid won. He was called out on several points in the 60 Minutes interview and it was so typical. Pretend he didn't say it, change the subject by telling another lie, and then abuse the questioners.
How sad.
I've told my kids from Day one - Life isn't fair. My older son has struggled to be a part of a group, make friends, has been bullied, and made fun of for his appearance. Now that he is in Junior High he also gets pushed away for not having his own computer, phone, and for not being on Instagram, Snapchat, and more. He's been very aware of who the popular kids are since grade school and now gets upset by what they get away with because of their money and status. But he stays away from them for their crappy behaviour and bad attitudes.
How sad.
They make fun of kids with special needs, they terrorize anyone who is not like them - white, rich, Christian, and they don't believe the rules really apply to them. If anyone dares to stand up to them or call them on this behaviour they strike out at them using every available weapon to a 13-year-old. Starting outrageous rumours and lies and spreading them through social media. When they don't get their way they call foul, fraud, unfair because nothing is ever their fault. Does any of this sound familiar?
How sad.
Even though life isn't always fair or fun there are some things in our house that are non-negotiable. Be kind and respectful. Treat people the way you want to be treated no matter how they are acting. Be humble. Everyone you meet has something to teach you, be open to learning.
Be Happy. It's good to feel lots of emotions, but every day you have a choice, why not be happy?
This election took away that last thread of hope I held that maybe, just maybe - if you work hard, follow the rules, and preserve you can be anything - even President of the United States. And that most people are good. But I am open to learning, so prove me wrong Trump. Please.
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