It’s back-to-school time. We’re catching up with friends we maybe haven’t seen in a few months. The common question is, “So, what have you been up to lately?”
While walking on the local exercise path, I ran into some old friends with whom I hadn’t had a personal conversation in a while. One asked that very question of what I’m up to lately. I answered that I sponsor and am an administrator for this Common Sense Civics and Citizenship page. Then I said, “I teach Jr. High Civics… “That’s as far as I got when she said, “Civics?? Who cares about civics anymore?”
She meant it, not in a crass way. She just figured, like many Americans, that Civics is so 1950s. Passe’. Gone (along with hardcover books). At this point, another friend jumped into the conversation and said that Civics isn’t taught anymore but should be. (That friend “gets it!”)
“Civics” may be an old word, but its content is as relevant today as it was 246 years ago. The curriculum for my 11-13 yr olds covers how the government works, patriotic symbols, American ideals, and American holidays. Giving children a foundation in what it means to be a citizen is essential. It’s more than what they see on TV or hear from others. It’s acquainting them with our founding documents, our Founders, and hopefully, patriotism. What our kids come to believe is how they will behave.
Being American requires study. Who cares about civics anymore? I do. I hope to inspire these young people to love our country as our forefathers did with contagious enthusiasm. They will have enough time to sift through agendas and negativity.
Meanwhile, we have a generation to train and raise up. Who in future generations can you pass on your love of country? Who can you talk to about why you vote, take care of your yard, follow the law, or celebrate Independence Day? Your conversations are an integral part of our younger generation’s education.
Perhaps this sounds idealistic. The challenge is whether you will let the culture dictate to you what to think about America or whether you will seek out primary sources of information right from the pen and words of Americans past and present. I say it all the time. The news is in business to make money. Our business as Americans is to study and pass on our heritage to the next generation. Find that person or group and grow in your knowledge of civics. If you are interested in increasing your understanding of civics, you can sign up for our weekly newsletter at www.civicsandcitizenship.org. We welcome you as we learn together.
This is Common Sense Civics and Citizenship.🇺🇸
