Bigotry is Everywhere

There is no doubt that many people are no longer constrained by the old standards of morality and proper behavior. Every day we hear about verbal and physical attacks by people who no longer feel the need to disguise their feelings. There are the usual monsters – anti-Semites, immigrant haters, racists, misogynists, homophobes – but this explosive behavior has trickled down to everyday life. Road rage, where people’s behavior toward other drivers is both inexcusable and dangerous, is much more common. Even in stores and supermarkets unprovoked attacks are making headlines. So many of us are frightened, and we should be.

As adults we can learn to protect ourselves by not provoking those around us who are clearly unbalanced. We can recognize that bigotry says more about the bigot than the victim. We can stand up for ourselves without causing confrontation. We can have pride in our values. But what about our children?

Unfortunately, children are already vulnerable, and we can’t always be there to protect them. That’s why we need to prepare them for what is a very ugly world right now. Once children are old enough to go to school, they need to know that there are bad people in the world. Adults and children who say mean things will always be around us. It is important for your children to realize that they are not at fault. They must learn that telling a teacher or a parent about these kinds of attacks is always the right thing to do. Trying to fight back will never help.

Children also need to know that disturbed people say terrible things, and they are not at fault for the behavior of others. Especially today we are not able to correct the behavior of these people who used to be afraid that society would punish them for their opinions and actions but now feel emboldened to expose their most evil inclinations. Our job now is to avoid those people and situations that will provoke them. Yes, it’s unfair that we must modify our behavior to accommodate this evil, but we must protect ourselves and our children. I have said before that life is unfair. Children need to know there is no magic spell that will make the world beautiful.

Continue to praise your child and show your child that there is good in the world. Be an example for your children. Love and protect your children. As a society we must strive to improve, but the first step starts at home.