Voters Need To Redirect Their Attention to What Really Matters This Election
The cheap shots are everywhere now that we're in the thick of election season, and it matters. It's everywhere. It's on social media and even on television "news" and commentary shows. People we look to for thoughtful election analysis are wasting valuable time making fun of candidates over things that are not relevant. Whether it's making fun of former President Donald Trump's orange skin tone or poking at Vice President Kamala Harris for her "cackle" of a laugh, how do these things apply to the policies these candidates support?
They don't. So stop.
Our children are watching, and our behavior trickles down to them. Our culture of meanness affects them. Posting sarcasm on social media, laughing about that zinger a friend told you, joking about candidates' appearances: This is the example you're setting.
My son came home from school telling me what other elementary school kids say about his appearance. His hair is long, and he's a stocky kid. So this translates to kids saying, "You look like a girl" and "You're fat." First of all, looking like a girl shouldn't be an insult. Who gets to decide what a girl is supposed to look like? But It's an opportunity for me to talk to him.
How someone else feels about him is none of his business. His concern should be how he feels about others. Kids need to know that time is wasted internalizing the judgments of others. Easier said than done, I realize. Adults should serve as examples in their lives by having conversations of substance instead of making superficial observations.
In our house, we ask each other, "what's your best story of the day?" to prompt conversation. We talk about the books we're reading or the movie we want to see. We talk about the policies that affect those most vulnerable in our community.
The goal is to pass conversation skills on to our children.
Why gossip about superficial things such as weight, skin tone and laughter when there are important decisions to be made for our community? Why not look for the joy in our shared experiences and participate in that hearty laugh? Share humor that's not at someone else's expense.
When talking to children, refrain from commenting on their appearance. Instead, ask them about their interests. What book are they reading? What sport do they like to play? What's their favorite food? What are they looking forward to this fall?
"What a pretty dress you're wearing," or "What a handsome boy you are," only serve to reinforce that looks are the most important thing a person has to offer this world. Yes, it's OK to want to look nice. There's nothing wrong with that, but take a closer look at the weight loss and beauty industry, and you will unveil America's unhealthy relationship with vanity. Time always wins, and no amount of makeup will save you from the privilege of growing old.
I'm 49 years old and love how much I've learned in this life. Let's talk about that. I don't care if I'm ever called pretty again. And as for our elected officials, if you have time to share an unkind meme, then you have time to invest in learning the policies at stake. Choose to do the latter. You, and our country, will be better for it.
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Check out Bonnie's weekly YouTube videos at https://www.youtube.com/bonniejeanfeldkamp. To find out more about Bonnie Jean Feldkamp and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.
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