Tip of the Week: Why We Must Teach Our Children to Question Authority
I don’t know about you, but by Sunday night I’d had my fill of media coverage of the last three days of “events.” And you, like me, probably have some strong feelings one way or another over what’s taken place. The thoughts below are not an invite to debate; they’re simply my reflection and serve as the thinking which led to this week’s tip of the week and the free resource I’m recommending.
Our children are growing up in the middle of a perfect storm. Here’s why I think so.
- We just installed a new president who feels the need to constantly tweet responses to critics. Will he eventually rise above this?
- Here in Portland, we witnessed the burning of the American flag as an expression of “free speech” in opposition to his inauguration. Will the hate continue?
- The president’s press secretary misrepresented facts related to how many attended the inauguration. Will sorting through falsehoods be the new normal?
- We witnessed a nation-wide “Women’s March” advocating rights for all. Will the rights of unborn-women be included?
You may see things differently and have come to different conclusions. That’s idea behind the first amendment.
But, not all expressions are of equal value. Not all arguments make sense. Some are only partially true. Some are completely false. Some are emotionally charged. Some defy logic. Some resort to fear to make their point.
And, just because someone “in authority” made the statement doesn’t mean we can trust it.
Our children need to be trained to think critically, to question authority- especially in light of social media, fake news, and what passes as journalism today no matter what form it takes.
I came across a book that will help you. An Illustrated Book of Bad Arguments is a free resource you can use at home. Simple and to the point. You can use it to help your children evaluate what’s being said, as well as help them think through the merit of their own arguments and the positions they hold.
The free version is here. It can also be purchased on Amazon as well.
Teach Your Children to Question Authority.
That’s the tip of the week.
Curt Bumcrot, MRE
