Anonymous
As a high school English teacher, I'm appalled at the tone of the current campaign involving Republican candidates. I wonder if the shift to digital communication -- where various forums allow participants to post comments of all kinds, including insults and vulgarities -- has led to what we're seeing and hearing in official debates, rallies, speeches, etc. It's been interesting this week to hear people reflecting upon the Reagan presidency in connection with the death of Nancy Reagan; many have expressed longing for the more civil and collaborative environment that existed in Washington at that time. My students know only the current era and are asking questions about candidates' choices of language and general behavior. It's very difficult to promote civil discourse and rational thinking in the classroom when adults in politics demonstrate quite the opposite. I am concerned that American is stepping backward and becoming more divisive, more polarized around the issues of race.
No candidate is perfect; each in the current arena has strengths and weaknesses. At this point, I am looking for the person who can turn the divisive tide and bring citizens together to solve problems and innovate.