Family Dynamics at the White House
Our nation does not need this bad example
I am a family engagement influencer. While I advocate for increased levels of parent involvement within schools, I also promote strong levels of engagement within the family unit.
I was recently taken by surprise when I saw a recent video clip of President and Mrs. Trump immediately after the last presidential debate. Their reaction to each other is extremely disturbing.
This article elaborates on all of my concerns.
This is Love
Tough and devastating times blanket the landscape of our nation these days for many different reasons. Worry and sorrow consume us. Uncertainty fills every fiber of our being. Divisiveness has been reflected in the disturbing actions of many people. Anger and fear can be seen in the eyes of citizens throughout every sector of our land.
The quote that originated from Advertising Executive Fred R. Barnard
“a picture is worth a thousand words”
has profound meaning. An image has the capacity to speak volumes to the person who views it. Such images interpret truth.
Something special and magical is able to be released when one views a loving image. The positive attributes of faith and hope are among the powerful unspoken messages that are boldly communicated through pictures the model love.
Simply stated, it is heartwarming to look at photographs and videos of couples who genuinely love and care for one another and share an unconditional friendship.
We Don’t Need to See This
People need to exercise caution in viewing some pictures because they may evoke negative emotions. Anger and confusion may erupt after taking a look at some unsettling images. This is exactly what I was confronted with after I saw a recent video clip of the first couple of our nation.
Here is the link published on the October 23, 2020 online publication called “Independent” that documents my concern. I am sure those who read this will share my concern as well after viewing the short video that follows.
In summary, this is what the disturbing video captures.
- After the final presidential debate that was held on the evening of Thursday, October 22, 2020, First Lady Melania Trump walked onto the stage and stood next to President Trump.
- Even though the president briefly held her hand, Melania forcefully yanked her hand away from the hand of the president as she began exiting the stage ahead of him.
- The president responded the to actions of his wife by extending his right hand and giving her a shove on her back as they both walked off the stage.
What Does This Mean?
The actions of President and First Lady Trump that were captured on the video did exactly what Fred R. Barnard stated. This is my interpretation of the video segment.
1. Neither the president nor his wife respects the other.
Each spouse unleashed physical aggression upon the other. This was evidenced when Melania snatched her hand from the grasp of her husband as well as when Donald pushed his wife on her back as she walked ahead of him.
These actions epitomize the disrespect and disdain that each partner has for the other. Their undeniably disgraceful behavior raises the question of whether they even like or love each other. My opinion is that they do not.
2. Conflict prevails in their marriage.
The outward display of mutual contempt signals very deep problems within their relationship.
I believe their marriage is filled with internal struggles, strife, and discord. My opinion is that they are not happily married.
3. They do not care if observers become aware of the turmoil that exists within their relationship.
It is clearly obvious that relational apathy prevails within their marriage. This means that the president and his wife fail to get along with each other and they do not care if the citizens of the nation and world are aware of it. Their shameful conduct was witnessed by millions of people. They displayed a willful indifference to this reality.
Since they are the first couple of our country, they should consistently model the characteristics of a loving couple. This is especially true because they are revered by so many people nationally as well as globally.
Conclusion
The video of First Lady Melania Trump and President Donald Trump responding to the other with physical aggression after the televised presidential debate overtly communicates many disturbing things to the nation and the world. This couple has no shame in dishonoring their powerful political position by having a skirmish with each other within a very public and highly visible forum. A very obvious conclusion may be made as a result of this. They have a very bad marriage. Consequently, the Trump couple serve as poor examples marital unity because their nonverbal actions fail to accentuate love.
This video leaves me to wonder what really goes on between this couple in the privacy of the White House.
What do you think?
Here is my golden ticket that helps me accomplish my mission.
Dr. Deborah M. Vereen is a retired Teacher and School Administrator. Her website is www.Drdeborahmvereen.com and her YouTube Channel is https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS1DPhBeA29UlybU9jzDkdQ .