Madonna and the Trump Piñata
Madonna, really? A Trump piñata at your son’s 11th birthday fiesta? Are there lessons to be learned here?
Q: Is it acceptable to furnish a political-figure for a child’s party, for any purpose?
A: Well, maybe a stand-alone life-size poster where children and parents alike could use as a photo op. Or, pictures of all the U.S. presidents to serve as a quiz game. (Let me know if you run into any child that would think that was fun!)
Q: If a child requests a particular public figure, do you furnish it?
A: Unequivocally, no. Not in the way that Madonna allowed it and encouraged the Trump piñata to be destroyed. (No, I do not support Trump; either candidate for that matter.) I pose these questions to Madonna and any other parents who would encourage such a deed, that in my opinion encourages disrespect, hostility, and lack of imagination:
- Why use your child’s party to make a political statement?
- Should you consider how the other children might feel?
- What if there was a child who declined to participate in decapitating the Trump piñata? How would you handle it?
- Why not provide a piñata of notorious figures such as Idi Amin, Osama bin Laden, or “El Chapo?”
- How would you react if you were a party guest where a piñata of “Mrs. Clinton” (or any other figure that you hold in high esteem) was hanging on a rope?
- Aren’t parties typically a time for light-hearted conversations, silliness, and oh yeah, FOR THE CHILDREN?
- Do you consider how the childrens’ parents might feel about this? How would you react if the tables were turned?
“No, I’m going to go for his neck and decapitate [him]!” in the video, which Madonna shared on social media.
Using your child’s “stage” or family event as an opportunity to express your political views is selfish. Madonna, maybe you haven’t had enough “stage time” lately? Maybe your hatred for another human being is all you’ve got left?
Madonna, consider this; instead of spreading hate and disdain, why don’t you advocate for your candidate by putting on a fundraiser or buying some commercial time to campaign for your candidate?
Teachable Moments:
Discretion and Consideration: Use this opportunity to explain to your child that not all people feel the same way…they might feel uncomfortable. As a host, we want all of our guests to have a good time and feel welcomed and accepted.
Respect: Disagreeing with people is a part of life. No matter what our differences are, we show others respect by listening, acknowledging their opinions, and calmly exchanging ideas. Not attack or wish them misfortune.
Childhood: Childhood is brief. More so today than generations before. With easy and early (too early, in my humble opinion) access to the internet, children can learn and be exposed to things they may not be able to understand. This can spawn, confusion, skewed perceptions, and angst.
Is it helpful for children to be preoccupied with “adult” disagreements, take sides, or be burdened with an adult’s baggage of hate and drama?
My child-rearing theory: Naturally, circumstances didn’t always allow for complete safeguarding of my children’s innocence, but when I could, I went kicking and screaming to give them a childhood that was filled with more positiveness, hope and joy, kindness and respect for others, and a lot of playfulness. Old-school? Perhaps, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Helping Businesses and Individuals Find Success Through Better Communication and Social Skills
Rosalinda Oropeza Randall, Social Skills and Civility Presenter, Media Source, and author of “Don’t Burp in the Boardroom.”
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