Dear America,Â
It's been a little bit more than a month since I last wrote anything about our country. My last letter was on the eve of Tucker Carlson's departure from Fox News, and how I expressed this event as a monumental moment for the end of Mainstream Media relevancy. In that letter, I made a prediction – that soon turned out to be accurate – about how Carlson would utilize Twitter as his platform to express his content without any constraint. Since the start of "Tucker on Twitter," he has captured millions of views, much more than his normal Fox viewing.Â
Since I last wrote, several significant events have unfolded in this country. These include Governor Ron DeSantis and former Vice President Mike Pence announcing their bids for the 2024 presidential election. Moreover, there are allegations of Joe Biden receiving a $5 million bribe from Burisma during his Vice Presidency, along with former President Donald Trump's indictment for mishandling classified documents. Additionally, a report has surfaced about the Instagram algorithm allegedly boosting a pedophile network that promoted the sale of illicit child exploitation materials on the platform.
Each of these events, in my opinion, is worthy of greater discussion and debate, but I will not be addressing these matters in this letter. I decided to write again to America because of a topic that has been haunting and causing me great distress: the corruption of outside forces upon our children. I guess I could say the last point triggered me, the* Instagram pedophile scandal* that forced me to finally write about an area that I feel compelled to change.Â
A few days ago, my sister, a teacher, asked me to photograph the Pre-K graduation ceremony for her students. It was her first full year of teaching, and I was honored to be a part of this special moment. As I sat in the auditorium, surrounded by these young children singing their hearts out, I couldn't help but be reminded of the innocence and playfulness that defines their young age. The room was brimming with life, curiosity, and boundless imagination, creating a world of endless possibilities. We can't help but envy these young souls who still view the world through innocent eyes, unaffected by the constraints that society often imposes upon us.
While I sat there, my mind couldn't help but drift to the disturbing issues that affect our children today—pedophilia, child trafficking, and premature exposure to explicit concepts of sex and gender identity. Today, I won't delve deeply into pedophilia and child trafficking, as they require extensive discussion. However, I will say this: the normalization of pedophilia must be vehemently opposed at any cost. It is a battle we must be prepared to fight for as long as we live. What I would like to address in detail is the education and influences that shape our young children's minds, both inside and outside the classroom. Childhood and adolescence are formative years, where young minds eagerly absorb external influences that shape their belief systems, which they carry into adulthood. Like a sponge soaking up water, everything they see, hear, touch, and experience contributes to the formation of their worldview. While these belief systems have the potential to evolve and change over time, they become increasingly difficult to alter as individuals grow older, much like a saturated sponge becomes harder to squeeze out. The early years of life play a crucial role in laying the foundation for their values, attitudes, and perspectives. While these belief systems can evolve and change, it becomes increasingly challenging to alter them as individuals grow older.
I used to perceive the phrase "Children are the future" as a cliché statement. However, I now recognize these four words' immense power and significance. Children are the life force—the driving engine—that will shape our country and determine the path we choose to follow. They embody the potential for creating a better world. As Americans, it is our responsibility to do everything in our power to ensure that our children are provided with the necessary opportunities to thrive, and it begins with us as parents. If we, as parents, fail in our duty to raise and guide our children, then the government and society will assume that role for us.
For instance, let us look at Hitler's influence on the children's growth. A statement often attributed to Hitler is, "He alone, who owns the youth, gains the future." Hitler recognized the impressionability of young people and understood that their beliefs and values could be molded more easily than those of adults. By controlling the education system, Hitler aimed to instill Nazi principles and ideals in German youth, molding them into loyal followers of the Nazi regime. The Hitler Youth organization played a crucial role in this process, providing a platform for propagating Nazi ideology and training young individuals to become obedient and passionate supporters of the Nazi cause. Hitler sought to ensure his regime's long-term survival and expansion through the indoctrination of the youth.Â
In the context of present-day America, we do not have a dictator with the vision and capability to implement a system akin to Hitler's. However, our country faces a different, equally dangerous, or even worse challenge. There are external forces at play, whose identities we may not always be able to discern, attempting to indoctrinate our youth in ways that undermine and confuse them. What I am referring to is the in-school early exposure to topics such as sex and gender identity. The inclusion of specific topics in the curriculum for young children raises legitimate concerns, and we must question the purpose behind teaching these subjects. Are we truly benefiting our children by introducing such concepts at such an early age? Does it aim to confuse them or prematurely promote sexuality?Â
Even if the inclusion of these subjects in the curriculum may be well-intentioned, it raises real concerns. Premature exposure to explicit concepts can confuse and burden young minds, potentially leading to psychological and emotional distress. Children at a tender age may not possess the necessary cognitive and emotional maturity to fully comprehend and process complex topics related to sex and gender. Such early exposure may not only hinder their ability to form a healthy self-identity but also disrupt the natural progression of their emotional and social development.
Moreover, the inclusion of these subjects can lead to an undue focus on sexuality at an age when children should be exploring their creativity, fostering friendships, and building a strong academic foundation. By introducing these concepts prematurely, we risk robbing children of their innocence and exposing them to issues they may not be ready to understand fully. It is crucial to consider the long-term mental and emotional effects of such early exposure on our children's overall well-being and self-perception.
The moral implications of those in power, responsible for shaping our children's education and development, also come into question. Are they genuinely serving the best interests of our children, or are there other motivations at play? As parents and concerned individuals, it is essential to critically examine the intentions behind the decisions made in our children's curriculum and take an active approach to being involved in our child's education.Â
Instead of diverting their attention to these contentious topics, our young children should focus on fundamental subjects that lay the groundwork for their academic and personal growth. Areas such as math, science, English, coding, and fostering creativity are essential for their development. By providing a strong foundation in these disciplines, we empower our children to become outstanding citizens who can significantly contribute to our country.
However, it is not only inside the classroom that parents need to exercise caution. We must also acknowledge the impact of technology on a child's development, particularly at such a young age. It is disconcerting to consider that we have allowed technology to assume some of the responsibilities that parents once held. I was alarmed to learn recently that a parent acknowledged the potential dangers of giving their child an iPad. However, they also recognized how helpful it has kept their child preoccupied and entertained. When I hear these words, I immediately feel like children have become burdens to our modern society.Â
Not long ago, restaurants used to provide children with crayons as a means to engage their creativity and keep them occupied without causing disruptions for their parents. It seemed like the perfect way to foster imagination while ensuring a peaceful dining experience. However, nowadays, such measures have become unnecessary as children come equipped with their oversized iPads. This shift towards technology has significant implications. By relying on iPads or other electronic devices, children may miss out on valuable opportunities for creative expression and social interaction. The act of drawing with crayons or engaging in face-to-face conversations at the dinner table allows children to develop their cognitive and interpersonal skills. These experiences promote imagination, problem-solving, and the ability to communicate effectively with others. Moreover, they foster a sense of presence and connection to the world around them.
As parents, we need to be mindful of the balance between technology and other forms of engagement. While technology can offer educational benefits when used appropriately, we must ensure that it does not replace vital aspects of a child's development. Encouraging creative activities, such as drawing, playing games, or participating in family discussions, can help children cultivate their abilities and establish meaningful connections with those around them. We must not hesitate to set limits or even delay our children's initial exposure to technology. I recall a conversation I had with a colleague about the impact of technology on young children, and I was taken aback when he shared his approach. For now, he has chosen to prevent his 2- and 4-year-old children from having phones or iPads. Instead, they are encouraged to engage with toys and books. He acknowledges the societal pressures that make providing children with these devices seem normal, but he is acutely aware of the potential consequences. Regrettably, we are already witnessing the effects of children who have grown up dependent on electronic devices. This generation displays social awkwardness and struggles with face-to-face interactions due to heightened anxiety. For them, electronic devices have become their primary means of communication and comfort.
I'd like to mention the Hasidic Jews as an example of a religious group that maintains traditional family values and limits their use of technology. When I visit libraries, I often see many Hasidic children accompanied by their parents. Recently, I witnessed a child, no older than six, borrowing a book on Shakespeare. Curious about this observation, I asked my Jewish friend why libraries are often filled with Hasidic Jews. She explained that during Shabbat, a religious holiday when the use of electronics is prohibited, they read and play games with their families.Â
I'm not advocating for any specific religion, but I want to highlight the emphasis that Hasidic communities place on education and child development. It's not surprising that these children demonstrate intelligence from a young age. Recently, I talked with a friend who works in the medical industry. Interestingly, without me mentioning my previous point, she made remarks on how the young Hasidic children she deals with show signs of solid intelligence and are very respectful. For instance, when they undergo an MRI scan, they request to listen to classical music and converse comfortably. In contrast, she mentioned that other children she encounters often seem glued to their phones or iPads, finding it challenging to communicate directly.
In conclusion, as I reflect on the state of our country and the challenges our children face, it becomes clear that we have a collective responsibility to safeguard their well-being and development. We as parents must resist the corruption of outside forces that seek to exploit and confuse our children. The early years of life are crucial for shaping their belief systems. Our duty as parents and concerned individuals is to ensure they receive a solid foundation rooted in essential subjects that will help them proposer in our country. Let us be more involved in our children’s education.
Furthermore, we must be mindful of the impact of technology on our children's development. Let us not relinquish our roles as parents to the ever-expanding influence of technology. Instead, let us embrace our responsibility to guide our children's development by nurturing their creativity and facilitating real-world interactions that contribute to their growth and well-being. Let us create a household as a place to grow with our children.Â
Ultimately, our children are the future of our nation. We must equip them with the tools and values necessary to navigate the complexities of the world they will inherit. By prioritizing their education, protecting their innocence, and providing a balanced approach to technology, we can empower them to become outstanding citizens who shape a better future for America. Let us not underestimate the profound impact we can have on their lives and the enduring legacy we can leave behind for generations to come.
Signed,
G.S.P.