What makes 4 year olds great is that their personalities start to shine. They aren't cynical yet, they're naive. They have a general idea of how the world works. They don't know there are mostly good cops and some bad ones. All cops are good because that's how it's supposed to be. And bad guys are easy to figure out, they are storm troops, Dr. Doom, Dr. Octopus, Green Goblin... kinda like bad guys wearing black in westerns.
Fear and hate are taught. Directly and purposefully, or through experiences. Kids are excellent observers and faster learners than us. Act and speak carefully around kids.
Today my son told me he wanted to be a police officer. He thinks his grandpa was one. He says he wants to be one so he can use that electric thing with a button to stop bad guys. (I'm glad he didn't say he wanted to shoot bad guys with a gun.)
He also says when he has white hair he can retire. Unless bad guys are still on the loose, then he will go to them. He wants to be a community helper.
He also says when he has white hair he can retire. Unless bad guys are still on the loose, then he will go to them. He wants to be a community helper.
I plan on teaching my son that all people of all races, religions, etc...are good people unless that person gives you a reason not to think so. He can use his personal experiences to guide him, but hopefully anecdotes won't form entire pictures. Hopefully he won't have a prejudiced bone in his body.
I hope he will continue to want people to be treated fairly. To be held accountable for actions. That he won't judge all of any group because of the actions of some that share their beliefs or occupation or struggle.
I hope he doesn't get spoiled by all this horrible rhetoric out there.
Maybe I'm the naive one.
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From a Facebook post I put up in July 2016.
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