It is interesting to talk about the topic of different the same weekend as the Presidential inauguration. This election period has done more to expose what is different about our nation than any other. Currently, we have a divided country. The media has played upon what is different about the two political parties, and it has driven a separation worse than we have seen in a long time. While it is easy to focus on what makes us different, we need to realize what makes us similar.
This weekend saw large numbers gather to watch President Trump sworn into office. at the same, three times as many people marched in protest. This number only represents the numbers marching in D.C. Across the nation and all around the world we saw people marching to protest a President who does not uphold their values.
Whatever side of the argument you are on, it is hard to argue against the fact the President Trump will be leading a divided nation. The news coverage of this weekend showed controversy after controversy. Tensions were high and the nation watched, some proud and some in fear. The next four years will likely be much of the same. This focus on the “different” is not going away anytime soon.
In all of this division, we have to think about what this is communicating to our children. We must remember that children are watching the world as well. They likely see but do not understand what is going on. The one clear, resounding message that children can receive from this is that people who are different from them are bad. This works for both sides. One side sees crazy liberal feminists violently protesting the government. The other sees racist bigots taking over the country. Both of these portrayals are exaggerated and hateful. How do we explain this to our children? Moving forward, for the sake of our children, we need to remember what brings this nation together. In the discovery of the likeness, we can begin the healing process.
- Bria