Four years ago I was relatively (for my usual standards) speechless after the presidential election. All that I could muster up in the way of a blog post was a tiny reflection–tiny in comparison to the monumental accomplishment that was Obama’s first victory.
Fast forward four years and I find myself in a similar predicament: already in the midst of a prolonged hush (my last blog post was in September for goodness sakes), there has been radio silence on my end with respect to the election. Given the very contentious nature of this particular election cycle, that silence was uncharacteristic, to say the least (can you say “binders” anyone???).
Today marks four years from my last post-election post. The stakes were much higher this time. The victory more emblematic of the state of our society: 67% of unmarried women voters, 93% of black voters, 71% of Latinos, 73% of Asians, 60% of youth 18-29 all backed Obama; meanwhile the President won just 39% of the white vote. Those stats are necessarily alarming, frankly, and it’s difficult for me to relish in the victory. The country is more divided than ever and, admittedly, I’m concerned.
And then, as if on cue, I received a distraction from the dizzying worry…an indication that things are going to be okay. Or not (39% is 39% after all).
But at the very least, I have something to make me laugh for days on end. A return to innocence. An absence of cynicism. A remarkably fresh perspective that I offer to you and dare you not to smile:
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| Actual letter from an early education student in Brooklyn, NY |
Hey, Obama Barack likes pizza–who WOULDN’T love him!!??
PS: huge shout-out to one of the most dedicated, passionate, and amazing teachers I have ever met. If there were more teachers like her, the aforementioned stats would not worry me one bit. Let’s work on that people. #thankyourfavoriteteachertoday
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