This is a copy of an email I have written, but not yet sent, to a sixth-grade student whom I am tutoring in writing. M~ is an incredibly gifted and talented writer for her age and I’m trying to build some self-esteem defenses for her before Trump’s example sets in. If anyone — especially parents of middle schoolers — has any suggestions for things to add, change or cut, I would be deeply indebted.
Hi M~;
How are you? I hope you have been having a good and productive week. I never thought I would have to write this letter to you. I have been delaying ("procrastinating") sending it, because sometimes there are things I have to do but I don't really want to do them. I'm sure you can think of examples of this from your own life. And I have always procrastinated when it comes to writing things I really don't want to write.
I know you have heard by now that Donald Trump won the election to be president. I am very disappointed about this, because I did not like him very much and did not vote for him. But that's not really why I'm writing (OK, a little :) I'm writing because you may have heard that he said some very bad things about girls and women. And it's true. I will let your Mom and Dad explain the things he said, as they can probably do that better than I.
I think men and women are equal, and so are boys and girls. I don't think men should say bad things about women and I don't think boys should say bad things about girls. And just because Donald Trump said bad things about women does not make what he said right. He is the new President but he has done and said things about girls and women that are not right.
I am sure you are wondering right now how America could elect someone who said such mean things about girls and women. I don't really have an answer for that. I wish I did, because then I would probably be as rich as Trump! :)
But you should NEVER let any boy or man bring you down by insulting you for your looks or appearance, because it's what's on the inside of you that really counts. I want you to know that, based on meeting you and reading your writing, I think you are definitely as smart and talented as any boy your age. No boy had better ever say mean things you and your talents either. (If he does, you should tell him that Professor Charlie says you are the best! :) I think you could grow up to be President some day. That is, if you're not having too much fun writing! :)
Your Mom says you need to work on grammar and structure; after she reads this, she may think I need to work on structure! LOL But, anyway, these are just some thoughts I have been having this week and I wanted to share them with you.
See you on Monday!
~C