What is this hate-filled campaign teaching our children?

October 19, 7:16 AMNY Education ExaminerLorri Giovinco-Harte

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I don't really remember the Vietnam War, but friends of mine who do tell me that it was a very divisive time in our history.  They tell me that tensions were very high between people, and it got to a point where you couldn't even discuss politics with family members without an argument breaking out.

It seems to me that we are currently experiencing the same kind of angry climate.

This current, presidential campaign has been characterized by anger, bitterness, prejudice, and resentment - all of which are being pandered to by campaign strategists who are appealing to the lowest levels of human emotion. 

We read and see reports of participants at campaign rallies shouting, "Kill him", and "Off with his head." 

A women's group sent out the above picture of "Obama food stamps", which was rife with racial stereotypes, displaying an unbelievable insensitivity and cruelty.

So, while the adults argue, debate, and yell, we have to ask ourselves  - what kind of message is this sending to our children?

We can't shield our children from the real world and it's important for them to have an understanding of current events; yet we have to really think about what our children are learning from the racism, hatred, and divisiveness being modeled for them by the adults around them.

They are the ones who will inherit this world and who will become our future leaders.  The behaviors that we are displaying are forming their opinions and future reactions. 

Is this really what we want them to learn?