According to a study from Quinnipiac University, 72% of Republicans believe that Trump is a good role model for kids.
It is unbelievable that anybody could believe President Donald Trump is a good role model for children. In 1986, Robert Fulghum wrote a book called All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten, highlighting social norms that everyone should have learned at a young age. Trump has demonstrated the exact opposite of numerous morals spelled out in this book. Yet, 90 million Americans believe that Trump is a good role model for kids. Outrageous.
“It doesn’t matter what you say you believe – it only matters what you do.” –Fulghum
Trump responded to the recent school shooting in Florida by Tweeting, “Answer hate with love, answer cruelty with kindness.” Trump implies that he believes that we need to be kind to those affected by the shooting. Other than his tweet, Trump has done nothing to prevent further gun violence. It is getting to the point where students are choosing to take a stand against gun violence, rather than the political leaders of the country doing anything about it. Trump states that he believes something needs to be done about the gun violence, but he does absolutely nothing to act upon his statements.
“Sticks and stones may break our bones, but words will break our hearts.” –Fulghum
Fulgham implies that words hurt more than actions. Trump has called Kim Jong Un derogatory terms such as “Short and fat,” and “Rocket man.” Trump also comes up with creative insults towards other people, places, and even some news stations. He has frequently referred to Hillary Clinton as “Crooked Hillary.” Former White House strategist, Steve Bannon has also experienced the name calling with names such as, “Sloppy Steve,” and “leaker.” Trump has called the Islamic States, “losers,” and “low-level degenerates.” Finally, he has referred to numerous news stations as “fake news.” Trump just does not stop.
“Ignorance and power and pride are a deadly mixture, you know.” –Fulghum
Trump is a very ignorant person. As the president, his words reach people across the globe and have immense power. Trump tends to go against the popular crowd and voice his opinion, as ignorant and offensive as it might be. Trump spoke about Mexicans, saying, “They’re sending people that have lots of problems, and they’re bringing those problems with us. They’re bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists.” This shows Trump’s ignorance about immigration and its laws because he is so blatantly incorrect in what he is saying. It also clearly shows his lack of empathy and understanding for American people and values, as America was created due to immigration and prides itself as being a melting pot of all people and cultures. Trump uses his power as president to push legislation backed by his ignorance.
“I may be wrong.” –Fulghum
Fulgham believes that it is necessary to be able to admit one’s faults. Time and time again, Trump voices his opinions and will never admit his faults. Even when the evidence is undoubtedly against him, Trump never admits any wrong doing and will actually state he is the exact opposite of what evidence may suggest. After a video surfaced of Trump explicitly stating how he assaulted & grabbed women, and women came forward about his unconsented touching & kissing, Trump still won’t admit he was ever wrong. Instead, he maintains that he has “tremendous respect for women” when that is clearly not so. In the 1980s, a jogger running through Central Park was raped and beaten, five teenagers were convicted of the crime. During the time, Trump wanted the death penalty to be reinstated so those five could be convicted and killed. Yet, Trump himself has been accused of rape by his first wife. He has reportedly been accused of rape and attempted rape a total of 3 times. In the 1980’s case of the jogger, another person pled guilty to the rape & beating, but Trump still wanted the death penalty for the original five under question. Trump never plead guilty for either rape he was tried about, so by his logic with the teenagers, should he get the death penalty?
“Hold hands and stick together.” –Fulghum
Fulghum teaches that people need to be friendly and come together to create peace. The purpose of holding hands and sticking together is to maintain friendship and connection. As president, Trump has to do this on a global scale. International relationships are also essential because they affect the lives of millions of people. Trump demonstrated the opposite of this when he referred to African countries as “sh*tholes.” Calling other countries degrading names escalates tensions and is the opposite of being friendly. This was also demonstrated when Trump called Kim Jong Un “Short and fat.”
Robert Fulghum’s book All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten does a wonderful job outlining important morals that everyone should follow. These characteristics are simple and easy to understand, Trump just seems to have a hard time demonstrating these simple concepts, proving himself to be a poor role model for children.
