One of my fifth graders is getting a life lesson early. This week is student council elections and her posters are being ripped in half in the hallway, sprayed with water, destroyed. To top it all off, she’s also being called nasty names. When I first discovered this, I wanted desperately to protect her. I wanted to make it stop, (and, I feel I have done everything in my power to do so).
Nonetheless, as I walked to my car this afternoon, it occurred to me that if nothing else, she is learning something about life that is all too true– politics are dirty, even at age 10.
Someone really wants to win. Still trying to figure out who our own Tracy Flick is…
Cue the scene where the posters are torn from the wall.
Perfect timing as our own, “adult” presidential election heats up. If only the grown-ups would lead by example.
oliviaobryon 
5th grade and they’re doing this. There are times when I simply cannot even begin to fathom human nature. This is one of them. Will you please allow me to stuff the ballot box in favor of your student? Please?
No, I must let democracy prevail 😉 Thankfully it’s only my class that gets to vote, I’m pretty sure the bullies are lurking somewhere else. My kids have been vocal in telling me what has happened. But, human nature can be pretty disappointing.
I thought part of Democracy was stuffing the ballot box … well, at least that’s the case if you’re a Republican and you just lost an election. 🙂
I guess my attempt is an idealist one 😉
Idealism aint a bad thing.
Nope, but sometimes it makes me feel a bit naive…
Don’t.
Elections are meant to be dirty unless you really have the urge to work for your people. Acquiring power was never easy and acquiring it for a noble cause becomes tougher! 🙂 i guess u know what I mean! otherwise a wonderful article! keep writing!
Yes, I know that’s true, I just found it interesting that it starts at such a young age. I guess I can’t protect children from the less pleasant aspects of human nature… Would be nice if I could 😉
Rather tell them the pros and cons of this aspect. it is the social duty of all of us who can distinguish between black and white. Tell your pupil to participate in politics with a cause and with a principle! 🙂
best wishes!
Well said!