Finding My Political Voice

Parenting is political.

Iris Chen

Noooooooooooooooo! Say it isn’t so, Iris! Please don’t tell me that I have to pick a side, have a voice, and be political!

One of my favourite voices is Iris Chen, founder of Untigering. I refer to her a lot and will continue to do so. She manages to write about topics that scare me. Topics where I haven’t quite formed my own opinion yet.

Well, no, let me hold myself accountable. I do have strong thoughts. I don’t know that I can back them up all the way, because I have worked so hard to ‘see things from another perspective’ and I often can ‘get it’ from the other side.

Again, let me stop myself. I do have thoughts, but the people-pleasing side of me doesn’t really want to get into arguments with people where one or both us will start thinking things like “Really?! You’ve got to be joking.” or “I thought you were educated; how could you POSSIBLY think this way?!” or “I think that is totally illogical and stupid.” I don’t want to say the other person is dumb and I’m not too keen to have someone think that way of me.

Politics, like religion, is super tricky. It’s about beliefs, values, and loyalty. Us vs Them. People are “brainwashed” by powers using the subtle but strong messages.

In any case, as I’ve seen more and more parenting sites get political or maybe just more vocal about their beliefs, I’m tentatively trying out my own political voice. It’s difficult, because so many topics are really complicated and very, very emotional. Vaccines. Masks. Trump. Black Lives Matter. Hong Kong Protests. Amazon. Terrorism. (I could go on.)

Is there really a right way to think?

Is progressive better than traditional or conservative?

Why do so many people support someone who only cares about his own vanity and wealth?

Why do people believe that poor people deserve their lot?

Why are there people who think that LGBTQ is a lifestyle?

Why do people think that scientists are always wrong?

How do I help my kids be critical thinkers and be the change they want to see? Ah ha. Parenting IS political!

Parenting is Political post on Untigering: “Election Day in the U.S. is almost here. “If you haven’t already, get out there and VOTE! This is my first time voting for a presidential election in decades.” [Keep Reading…]