On Friday, I went to the Trump Rally at the San Diego Convention Center to witness history as his supporters listened to the presumptive Republican nominee speak and protesters gathered in a designated free speech zone to air their concerns in both respectful and vulgar ways.
I waited until Tuesday to post this reflection so that Memorial Day could be spent as it should be, remembering those who lost their lives fighting for this country.
I have to start by congratulating the San Diego Police Department for protecting the public at an event that drew a capacity crowd at the Convention Center and approximately 1,000 protesters. I observed police officers standing calmly and respecting the right of free speech as insults were hurled their way.
I wish, however, that Trump had demonstrated some of this discipline and tolerance. I have to condemn Trump’s statement on Twitter:
.@SanDiegoPD– Fantastic job on handling the thugs who tried to disrupt our very peaceful and well attended rally. Greatly appreciated!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 28, 2016
He is attempting to make a distinction between the two groups of people who fought after the rally. But his supporters actively engaged in fighting protesters. Trump cannot denounce the protestors as “thugs” without awarding that title to his supporters, as well. The Trump supporters were just as ready to mingle, debate, argue, insult, and fight as the protesters were.
In both groups, those who acted with violence and aggression were a minority who were not representative of the beliefs and values of their larger groups. In all cases the media was eagerly waiting, cameras ready to capture aggression so they could label the protest “violent” and show the evidence on their evening news programs.
As a person who doesn’t condone violence, why am I proud of people that have been labeled as thugs?
First, from what I saw many of them were kids. These kids looked to be between the ages of 15 and 20. Next, I am a teacher. Nothing is more important to me than seeing kids being opinionated and taking an interest in the world around them. I witnessed a lot of raw anger and even hatred. It’s paramount that we teach young people to deal with their anger in constructive ways. It’s wrong for young people to act out in violence, but that doesn’t define them. We can’t condone violence, but we can’t focus on negativity either.
We have to take the time to also congratulate these kids. To both the young Trump supporters and protestors: Thank you for coming out to express yourselves. Thank you for taking an interest in politics. Thank you for displaying your creativity and intellect on signs and banners that ranged from vulgar to works of art.
Thank you for caring.
When I was that age my peers played video games, experimented with illicit substances or alcohol. They sped and drove their cars recklessly and lied to their parents about their whereabouts. Many of these actions were against the law, but my peers didn’t have news cameras pointed at them or a nation ready to label them as criminals. My peers acted out for purely selfish reasons, but no one dismissed the validity of their opinions based on their juvenile delinquency.
To the young people who attended the San Diego Rally: whether you acted in perfect civility or let your anger get the best of you, whether you are a Trump supporter or a Trump protestor, I believe your interest shows great promise. I believe that you will find constructive ways to leave your mark on this world. I believe your opinions are valid. I believe your anger is justified. I believe your enthusiasm can be channeled into something positive. I believe in you.
The opinions we have about people can affect the way they view themselves. Young people are still developing their sense of selves. It’s paramount that in dealing with young people, we model positive behavior, validate their opinions, and refrain from labeling them.
For news coverage of the San Diego rally, see video below:
Featured image screengrab via YouTube
