MY COUNTRY, 'TIS OF THEE
I watched the Nuggets parade the other day. It was an amazing showing of pride in our team and city. Towards the end of the route however, there was a shift. The crowd started to converge on the last truck carrying Jokic and Murray. The mob mentality took over and I became concerned for the servicemen and women, as hordes of people surrounded the truck. The pressing in of the crowd caused one officer to be forced under the moving vehicle as it moved along. He was seriously injured. Some might say it was the excitement of the day for people to break through the barriers, but in my opinion, it was the blatant disregard of authority and order that encouraged the mob mentality. This section of the crowd didn’t follow the pleas from officials to maintain calm. Instead, young people crowded in front of the truck making it difficult for the engineer to proceed.
That lack of respect for authority, law, and order has become a large part of the mentality of younger generations lately. Where does this sentiment of lawlessness come from? Where does the disregard for property arise? When did people start thinking that we don’t have to follow the rules outlined by lawmakers and leaders? We could blame it on the riots during the summer of George Floyd, or the sometimes violent mentality that large numbers of immigrants crossing our border are bringing. Regardless of the reasons, things have gotten increasingly worse among the young people as a large number of them have adopted a rebellious attitude towards the laws of our country, as well as love for the republic that affords them freedom and liberty.
As a social studies teacher, students are entering my classroom with a lack of understanding and appreciation for our country’s history, its shortcomings, failures, and foundations. This generation is being indoctrinated with history lessons that focus on the “imperialist” America that perpetuated slavery (1619 Project), or Howard Zinn’s history that portrayed us in a negative light, leaving out the story of the people who were persecuted throughout the world, and found a place of freedom here. This biased approach has not fostered their ability to see all sides of the history of this country. It has caused young people to grow in their distrust and anger towards America.
That lack of respect for authority, law, and order has become a large part of the mentality of younger generations lately. Where does this sentiment of lawlessness come from? Where does the disregard for property arise? When did people start thinking that we don’t have to follow the rules outlined by lawmakers and leaders? We could blame it on the riots during the summer of George Floyd, or the sometimes violent mentality that large numbers of immigrants crossing our border are bringing. Regardless of the reasons, things have gotten increasingly worse among the young people as a large number of them have adopted a rebellious attitude towards the laws of our country, as well as love for the republic that affords them freedom and liberty.
As a social studies teacher, students are entering my classroom with a lack of understanding and appreciation for our country’s history, its shortcomings, failures, and foundations. This generation is being indoctrinated with history lessons that focus on the “imperialist” America that perpetuated slavery (1619 Project), or Howard Zinn’s history that portrayed us in a negative light, leaving out the story of the people who were persecuted throughout the world, and found a place of freedom here. This biased approach has not fostered their ability to see all sides of the history of this country. It has caused young people to grow in their distrust and anger towards America.
Public school leadership at the federal level is also working hard to convince Americans that nationalism is a bad word. They are being brainwashed to see themselves as “global citizens'' where borders and patriotism are no longer important. There is an obvious push to view globalization as a preferred way to conduct business. Individualism and civic responsibility are no longer important - only acceptance and tolerance. These ideas are leading to the breakdown of American patriotism and influencing the youth to disregard the foundations that our founding fathers fought so hard to create. So what is the solution? How can we fix it? |
First of all, it’s ok to remind them, often, that America IS exceptional. There is no other country in the world like it. Why else would outsiders want to immigrate here?
We know that our country, flaws and all, is still a beacon of hope, and those of us who live in rural areas are rooted in the foundation of land, family and patriotism have love for the America that we have inherited. We appreciate the freedoms afforded to us in America, and we want those freedoms to still be there for our children. A healthy understanding of the good, the bad and the ugly help school aged students to develop grateful hearts. Patriotism, respect for authority, discipline and diligence are all things that we want to instill in this younger generation. The young people who have lived in the rural areas of Colorado most likely have a good start. However, we should not assume that they are getting it in school. We should also not be blind to the fact that as more “city folk” move out here, we need to stick together to remind our new neighbors that they are welcome, but liberal ideas that are void of faith, respect for property and the freedom of others are NOT. |
We will have to work harder to make sure our children are not being influenced by those dissenting voices who think it’s ok to burn things down, vandalize, loot, or steal. These ideas are the opposite of patriotism - they are anarchy. They are the furthest away from parameters that keep us safe in our community.
This month, as we celebrate the anniversary of the declaration of our independence from England, may we remember that it is an ongoing fight to help instill civic responsibility in our youth. Stanford professor, William Damon said it best,
This month, as we celebrate the anniversary of the declaration of our independence from England, may we remember that it is an ongoing fight to help instill civic responsibility in our youth. Stanford professor, William Damon said it best,
“Genuine, active citizenship is driven by a sense of civic purpose. Patriotism creates a sense of attachment and identification, which is the only thing that makes democratic participation meaningful. Parents and school should begin with the positive to cultivate that motivating spirit."
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The month of July is a great place to START - but not END in our pursuit to show young people about the importance of preserving our heritage and patriotism. Below are a few suggestions that families can explore together this summer, and throughout the year to add to knowledge of and respect for the sacrifice that it has taken to make America an amazing place to live:
Teach Your Kids the Meaning Behind All Patriotic Holidays
● Veterans Day
● Pearl Harbor Day ● Memorial Day ● Independence Day ● Patriot Day ● POW/MIA Recognition Day ● Flag Day |
Teach them the meaning of the Star-Spangled Banner and the Pledge
● Background of the national anthem and its birth as a poem written during the War of 1812: full vide
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Read, watch and discuss the history of our country (various levels)
● Why Teaching American values will help at home
● “What Does It Mean To Be American?” video ● Examples of Patriotism that parents can teach their kids ● Teaching Our Kids About American Exceptionalism video ● Places to visit in Colorado to help understand our history ● Native American sites to visit to learn more about indigenous contributions to our culture ● Personal suggestions on how parents can tell their family story |
Pass on your family’s story in America
● Talk about your genealogy: where your family came from, and why they migrated to the United States
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There is nothing greater than taking time to remember WHY we have hot dogs and fireworks. The time to act is now. Foster that love of country. In the words of Lee Greenwood,
“I’m proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free.
And I won’t forget the men who died who gave that right to me,
and I’d gladly stand up next to you and defend her STILL today.
Cause there ain’t no doubt, I love this land. God BLESS THE USA.”
And I won’t forget the men who died who gave that right to me,
and I’d gladly stand up next to you and defend her STILL today.
Cause there ain’t no doubt, I love this land. God BLESS THE USA.”
Getting involved locally:
There are many different ways that citizens can get involved in the educational process. Schools are asking for participation in many different ways. The schools along the corridor have made school board meetings readily available for the public to watch and participate in. Together, we can contribute time and attention to our young people. Below is a list of opportunities:
-Attend a board meeting (virtual): Bennett, Strasburg, Byers, Deer Trail
-Run for school board positions
-Write your local superintendent
-Attend a board meeting (virtual): Bennett, Strasburg, Byers, Deer Trail
-Run for school board positions
-Write your local superintendent
- Bennett * Mrs. Robin Purdy
- Strasburg * Mr. Dan Hoff
- Byers * Mr. Tom Turrell
- Deer Trail * Mr. BJ Buchmann