Politicians often appeal to voters by promising to act in the best interests of future generations. Once elected, however, many fail to uphold this commitment, leading to concerns about their influence on young people. The actions and behaviors of political leaders can shape societal norms, making it crucial to evaluate how they serve as role models for children.
Dr. Laura Kastner, a noted expert on parenting, highlights the difficulties parents face in raising socially intelligent children. She states, “Every parent wants their child to be respectful, kind and thoughtful. But we also want them to be socially intelligent — able to navigate teasing, resist peer pressure, stand up to bullies and never become one themselves.” In a culture where incivility is increasingly common, this task becomes even more daunting.
According to Drs. Robert Brooks and Sam Goldstein, both respected educators in the field of parenting, children learn behavior primarily by observing adults. They emphasize that “without positive role models who consistently display civil behaviors, it is difficult for children to learn the attitudes and practices associated with civility.” This raises pressing questions about the role of contemporary politicians as examples for the youth.
The challenge of finding exemplary role models among today’s political leaders is significant. Discussions about civility often devolve into partisan disputes, with detractors frequently shifting focus to partisan figures rather than addressing the broader issue at hand. For instance, critiques directed at former President Donald Trump are sometimes dismissed as mere partisanship, even when his actions merit scrutiny.
Both President Joe Biden and former President Trump have faced accusations of hypocrisy and ethical violations. Many observers argue that Biden’s handling of certain issues reflects a lack of integrity, while Hunter Biden’s actions have sparked debate over ethical standards in politics. Critics point out that the Democratic Party often overlooks misdeeds by its members while condemning similar actions from Republicans.
The concept of the “bully pulpit,” introduced by Theodore Roosevelt, refers to the unique platform that a president has to advocate for issues and influence public opinion. Roosevelt used the term “bully” to imply “superb” or “wonderful,” highlighting the potential for positive impact. Unfortunately, many believe that Trump has misused this platform, fostering a culture of incivility that undermines the presidency itself.
Trump’s conduct has included a series of controversial remarks that many find disrespectful. He has referred to a female reporter as “piggy” and criticized another journalist’s employer, threatening government action against the network. Such behavior raises significant concerns about the message being sent to young people regarding respect and civility.
It is difficult to expect children to embody values of kindness and thoughtfulness when their leaders fail to demonstrate these qualities. For future generations to grow into respected leaders, the behavior of politicians must reflect the standards that society wishes to uphold.
The implications of political behavior extend beyond mere personal conduct, influencing how children view authority and public life. As leaders continue to set examples, the need for civility and respect in political discourse becomes increasingly urgent. The future generation’s understanding of leadership, ethics, and respect hinges on the behavior of those in power today.
