Son on the take spews hate on his prosperous parents
He has called me a Nazi and a white supremacist, since he feels that these are the only people who voted for the current president (besides "dumb hicks who were duped").
We are not racist and do not have far-right views. We are mainstream Republicans who know and love people of all races, ethnicities and viewpoints.
His mother is in tears after he leaves.
I'd like to rekindle a normal, mutually respectful, happy relationship with my son. But how?
-- Concerned Dad
Dear Dad: I'm enjoying the irony that someone who takes money from his grandma to eat out could hate the rich so much.
You love your son. Surely, he won't be a twerp forever.
All the same, he is an adult, and you need to react to him proportionally. So -- if he calls you a Nazi, you should tell him that words matter, and that this is offensive. Ask him to explain and ask him to apologize. Demonstrate the respectful behavior you would like to see from him. (One tip: Never tell an entitled person to "be grateful.")
Also say that you don't want to offend him with your capitalist bounty, and so from now on he can pay for his own EZ pass and cellphone.
Tell him, "Your mother and I worry that you, who have been so fortunate, seem to feel that you are a victim. We hope you will use your passion to help make this world a better place, and that you will grow to understand how important it is to listen and respect other points of view -- even if you disagree."
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