Political division in the United States is an issue often cited as contributing to the pessimistic outlook so many of us have. Blue Sky guest Lindsey Cormack believes that our government will only improve if we begin to understand it better and get involved ourselves. As a college professor, when she found that many of her students were remarkably ignorant about how our government works, she decided to do something about it. The result is her latest book, which challenges parents to fill the void left by elementary and high schools that no longer teach these subjects in the classroom.
Learn more about Lindsey's book: https://howtoraiseacitizen.com/
Chapters:
02:33 Meet Lindsey Cormack
Bill introduces Lindsey Cormack, a college professor and author, highlighting her background, research, and her mission to improve civics education in America.
04:47 The Importance of Understanding Our Government
Lindsey discusses the alarming ignorance among students regarding government and civics, emphasizing the need for reform in how civics is taught in schools.
07:06 Parents as Key Players in Civics Education
Lindsey argues that parents play a crucial role in teaching civics, as schools struggle to provide adequate education on the subject due to various systemic challenges.
09:30 Navigating Political Conversations
The conversation shifts to the challenges parents face when discussing politics with their children, including fears of misunderstanding and differing political views.
12:25 Engaging with Local Government
Lindsey emphasizes the importance of local government in everyday life and encourages listeners to get involved, explaining how local actions can lead to meaningful change.
19:56 The Role of Parents in Political Education
The conversation focuses on how parents can normalize political discussions at home, fostering an environment where children feel comfortable exploring political ideas.
22:01 Optimism in Civic Engagement
Bill and Lindsey discuss the relationship between optimism and civic engagement, emphasizing that understanding politics can empower individuals to make a difference.
26:04 Historical Context of Political Division
The conversation explores historical instances of political division in the U.S., drawing parallels to current events and emphasizing the resilience of democracy.
29:16 The Impact of Smartphones on Society
Lindsey reflects on how technology, much like junk food, can be seductive and detrimental to children’s development.
32:50 Creating a Phone-Free Environment
Lindsey discusses her approach to managing smartphone use among her daughter’s friends, including implementing a ‘phone graveyard’ at home.
36:01 Empowering Parents
The conversation shifts to how parents can become more engaged in their children’s civic education, with Lindsey encouraging them to seek knowledge actively.
40:39 Understanding Political Structures
Lindsey emphasizes the value of understanding the political system and encourages parents to explore current events as teaching moments for their children.
41:36 Reflecting on the Role of Technology and History
The episode concludes with a reflection on the dual nature of smartphones, acknowledging their benefits while cautioning against their overuse.