Head of School Dear MMS Community,
A headline recently noted that both Democrats and Republicans believe that this presidential election is existential: defeat of their candidate signals an erosion of democracy and of the very core of the United States' identity and purpose. Never in my memory has a presidential election carried this weight in citizens' minds. With 42 percent of members of both the Republican and Democratic Party viewing their fellow citizens in the opposing party as "downright evil," it is understandable to be thinking and feeling that the stakes in this particular election are nothing less than huge.
What does this mean for Marin Montessori and for parents? First, regardless of the results, we at MMS will continue to thrive long after the results of the election are decided. We will show up every day and bring our best to your children and adolescents and to you. A three-time Nobel Peace Prize nominee, Dr. Montessori actively engaged with the tumultuous times in which she lived--multiple wars, the rise of fascism, etc. Her understanding of child and adolescent development and education continues to show great power and relevance; we're all about it and we're all in.
For parents, consider how you want your children and adolescents to engage with our country, democracy, and their role in it. Fundamentally, we hope that you help your children feel enthusiastic and empowered to make a difference and to avoid the traps of apathy or perpetual outrage. Youthful idealism is healthy, as our children are our future. Youthful cynicism is worrisome and unproductive. David Whyte describes cynicism as, ...having been disappointed by life, we look hungrily for evidence for further disappointment. We need our youth to be inspired and energized by our country's principles and ideals and to believe in their agency to effect change.
If your preferred candidate loses the election: Your children likely know your political preferences (and also likely mimic them). Express what you feel about the loss and emphasize how you will redouble your efforts to support the values and practices in the U.S. that you believe are most important. Reference all the historical changes you and your parents and grandparents have lived through. If it resonates with you, share comfort in Dr. King's statement of belief that if we continue to work effortfully for change, "..the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice."
If your preferred candidate wins the election: Celebrate. And, highlight what positive values you see this victory reflecting about our country. Empathize with the voters who preferred the opposite candidate by finding a value in their value systems you can acknowledge as one you understand and even share--e.g. equal rights, safety and security, freedom to live as one wants, a healthy environment, opportunities for individual economic advancement, etc.
As has been noted before, we are not Red States or Blue States; we are the United States. We cannot take our democracy or our rights as citizens for granted. As we work to sustain the health of our country, let us re-commit to role modeling for our children, actively engaged citizenry, and deep-seated dedication to the values of the U.S. that matter most to us.
With appreciation for our community,
Sam
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