Lynn: Bad Lip Reading Engages Teens In Politics

My oldest daughter’s first words were, “Shut up!” Please, let me explain. During nice spring days, I used to tie up my beloved Cocker Spaniel, Higgins, outside in the front yard — in the shade! — because he liked it there. Lots of stuff going on to engage his senses, I guess. Problem was, he barked all the time, at everything, even ants crawling by on the sidewalk. It drove me crazy, all that barking. And I would yell out the door, “Higgins, shut up!” probably more than any sane person should.

Now you know where this is leading.

So one day, my little cherub of a baby looked at me and said, “Shut UP!” — emphasis on the “UP!” Cute, but very embarrassing. And it suddenly hit me: Careful what you say and do — your children are watching.

Fast forward about 19 years and another daughter later. My youngest is 15 and of course, has had to listen to me rattle on and on about politics and Obama’s failed presidency. I didn’t think she was paying attention. You know how egocentric most teens are. If it’s not happening within their immediate social circle, they just aren’t interested.

So at dinner last night, she asked me, “Who won the debate?” It was a proud moment. My baby was talking politics! She really was paying attention. Later, I heard her laughing so hard in her bedroom, I had to investigate. To my great surprise, she said: “Mom! You have to see this video of Mitt Romney. It’s hysterical!”
What? Now she’s watching political videos – and she knew who Mitt Romney was??! I was bursting with pride. Just when you think your teen is tuned out, you discover she’s really tuned in.

She showed me this video that I’m about to share with you. It has more than 4 million views on YouTube and is making its rounds in teen social circles all over the world. The good news is, teenagers are engaged in politics. They are watching and listening to everything we say.

The bad news is, they are having fun watching someone edit and dub all over it. Enjoy:

About Lynn Armitage

Lynn Armitage is a syndicated columnist, writer, blogger, entrepreneur, former editor and radio news producer. She began her writing career in Fourth Grade when she was asked this question on a test, “Where is President Nixon right now?” The correct answer was, “In China.” Lynn drew a complete blank, but threw the dice and responded with, “In love,” earning her five extra bonus points. Lynn had found her life’s work. The owner of Rockin Cupcakes, Lynn is a single mom who lives in Northern California with the last teenage daughter left in the house. Find her at www.myteenthealien.com and indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com.

24. October 2012 by
Categories: American Teens, My Kid Really Said This, Obama, Parenting, Politics, Romney | Tags: , , , , , | 2 comments

Comments (2)

  1. Well, if I could find the thumbs down, I’d post it. Equal time, so do one for Obama, or not at all.

    • Judy,

      I hear you. Just so you know, I am a Romney supporter. So this isn’t Romney-bashing on my part. I just think the next two weeks are going to be so highly charged and stressful for every American who cares about the outcome of this election, that we could all use a little comic relief.

      I will post the Obama version as soon as I can find it.

Leave a Reply

Required fields are marked *

*