A question that buzzes in my
mind all the time is: is there a way to prepare little children, step by step,
so that by the age of 18 they would be ready to be involved in politics? I
asked some people around me. Some said that political education should start at
around 15. Some thought that it should start gradually after the age of 18.
Some of you may know that my
latest obsession is Dr. Seuss’s children’s books. One of them is “Green Eggs
and Ham”. The story revolves around a conversation between two characters. One
of them is trying to convince the other to try and taste green eggs and ham but
the other just won’t. They both insist. In the end, the character tries green
eggs and ham.. and likes them very much!
Other than the light-hearted
conversation and the cute illustrations, a child might perceive the message
that we shouldn’t say no to anything before trying it. You shouldn’t say no to
broccoli before tasting it, and years later, you shouldn’t say no to a person
or idea before listening.. and listening very carefully.
This convinced me that
preparation for political life does not have to be learning facts and figures
only. It can be helping kids acquire qualities that are essential for anyone
who wants to get involved. This could be the first stage. Then comes learning
history and gradually getting deep into it. Then watching the news and reading
the newspapers. Then.. voila! You’re almost ready to be politically active.
So if you have kids
or are like me – a kid :P –
we know how to start now.
I’ll start by “Green Eggs and
Ham”!
<3ashan ana masry msh
ha2ool lel bamya ya333!!> ;)
Please don’t crticise me for using “ham”. I’m
a Muslim. I don’t eat Ham. I don’t encourage people to eat Ham. My message is
very clear and very NOT related to ham vs. beef. I’m just copying Dr. Seuss’s
expression.
