COREY BROOKS: AMERICA’S OBSSESSION WITH POLITICIZING CHILDREN MUST END
Corey Brooks, a prominent Fox News opinion writer, has raised concerns about the increasing politicalization of American youth in summer camps. In his latest piece, Brooks details a personal experience of his friend’s daughter, who attended a summer camp that turned into a battleground for political ideologies. The incident unfolded on the Fourth of July, when the girl wore an American flag shirt, a symbol of her family’s journey from slavery and segregation to freedom and opportunity. This act of patriotism sparked a confrontation with another camper who questioned the girl’s belief in the United States. The camper used terms like ‘white privilege’ and ‘systemic racism,’ suggesting that celebrating the Fourth of July was pointless until ‘true equality’ was achieved.
Brooks highlights the emotional impact on his friend’s daughter, who, despite her family’s history of overcoming adversity, was confronted with a narrative that framed the United States as inherently flawed. The exchange left her deflated and less excited about the festivities she had anticipated. The situation did not end there; the camp later implemented a ‘privilege walk,’ an exercise that divided children based on questions about being racially profiled or their parents’ interactions with law enforcement. Brooks criticizes this approach for forcing children into adversarial roles, branding them as either oppressors or victims. He argues that such exercises are not suitable for young children and that camps should prioritize joy and personal development over political indoctrination.
Brooks expresses frustration over the broader trend of politicizing children’s experiences. He believes that summer camps should be sanctuaries for childhood, free from the divisive political agendas of adults. He contends that exposing children to toxic narratives that paint the nation as inherently evil is detrimental to their growth. Brooks calls for an end to the obsession with politicizing children, advocating for environments where they can grow into independent thinkers rather than pawns in ideological battles. He emphasizes the importance of allowing children the freedom to explore and discover, rather than subjecting them to political lectures that undermine their sense of national pride and curiosity.