Melania Trump faces backlash after announcing initiative against cyberbullying: 'Be Best starts with the top'
Melania Trump made a rare, and much anticipated appearance in front of the press on Monday afternoon, when she took to the White House Rose Garden to announce her official initiative as first lady.
While President Trump‘s wife has already been involved in programs across the country tailored to improving the well-being of children in the United States, she has now officially launched the “Be Best” initiative. Nearly 16 months into her role as FLOTUS, it’s an announcement that people have been anxious to hear. And although there’s much to celebrate with it, Melania is already facing some criticism.
#BeBest pic.twitter.com/ziI09BW4i1
— Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) May 7, 2018
The initiative encourages adults to be educators for the country’s youth, so that the next generation can “be best in their individual paths in life,” she announced before the press, explaining that her three main pillars are well-being, social media use, and opioid abuse. After traveling the nation and coming into contact with a number of issues plaguing children, it’s no surprise that the first lady’s initiative is multi-pronged. However, people seem to be surprised that her platform is so vehemently against cyberbullying — something for which her own husband has been called out as a main offender.
“We can and should teach children the importance of social and self awareness, positive relationship skills and responsible decision making,” Melania said. “Once a child understands these vital skills, they will be able communicate openly with one another and instill positive feelings of mutual respect, compassion, and self esteem.”
In response, viewers commented on the feed writing, “Teach your husband first about right and wrong!” and “Her husband is a bully!!!” And the criticism has spread right back to where her platform begins — social media.
Social media is too often used in negative ways and that it is important for children to learn positive online behaviors at a young age. – Melania Trump
When will your husband learn his positive online behavior? – America
— Jen ♀️✌❤️ (@ITMFA_NOW) May 7, 2018
If Melania really wants to help the world then she needs to take Donald Trump’s phone and throw it in the fucking toilet.
— Tony Posnanski (@tonyposnanski) May 7, 2018
Why is Melania Trump's initiative being called "Be Best"?
Wouldn't it have been much clearer if it was simply called "Don't be like my husband"?— Ed Krassenstein (@EdKrassen) May 7, 2018
Now that @FLOTUS has started her "Be Best" program to promote kindness and to counter cyber bullying, every now and then I will provide examples of what is not a Be Best tweet. First example is below. https://t.co/qsHbxnutPu
— Ted Lieu (@tedlieu) May 7, 2018
My son is being his best to a muslim child and two hispanic children at school who are constantly bullied.
"Be Best" starts with the top.
Melania Trump needs to explain that her husband's actions and words trickle down to our youngest Americans.
— Red T Raccoon (@RedTRaccoon) May 7, 2018
Some are even writing about how poorly they feel for Melania, who is being labeled as a hypocrite because of her husband’s behavior. However, with an approval rating higher than the president himself, people can only hope that the first lady will actually make positive change with her new initiative.
Good for Melania Trump – she's done more "good" in one afternoon than her spouse has done in 16 months. Plus, she's a lot more popular (57% approve), something I'm sure he hates ; )
— Amy Siskind (@Amy_Siskind) May 7, 2018
Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle:
• Melania Trump gave us 5 reasons to love her as FLOTUS this week
• Donald Trump says he got Melania some flowers and a card for her birthday, and nobody’s impressed
• People are upset that Melania Trump hasn’t appeared on a magazine cover since becoming first lady
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