Defacing an image or symbol

Realizing that photos and symbols can carry emotional weight will help your child understand some of the social and political tensions in our world today. Discuss a picture they have of someone they love. Ask how they would feel if someone threw it on the floor – and even stepped on it. Why might someone do that? What might you do?

Explore a few flags – national – or a banner from your faith – or a favorite sports team. If someone carries or flies those flags, what do you think that means? How do you think they would feel if someone showed disrespect to that symbol?

If you feel your child is old enough, you might then pull up an image of the Confederate flag displayed in the U.S. Capitol. Discuss the emotions that might be felt by people on both sides of the event.