We the People - Taxes (S1E3)
The subject of taxes can be a lil complicated. But when rapper Cordae breaks it down, it all begins to make sense.
| Runtime (min) | 5 |
|---|---|
| TMDB Rating | 10.0 (1 votes) |
| Air Date | 2021-07-04 |
| Genres | Animation, Kids |
| TV Rating | TV-PG |
| Network(s) | Netflix |
Storyline
In this five-minute animated segment from We the People, rapper Cordae takes on the challenge of explaining taxation to young viewers. The episode uses music, colorful animation, and straightforward language to demystify where tax money comes from and where it goes. Cordae raps about the different types of taxes—income tax, sales tax, and property tax—and explains that these funds support public services like schools, roads, libraries, and emergency responders.
The episode emphasizes that taxes are a shared responsibility in a democracy, connecting the concept to civic participation and the common good. Through catchy lyrics and engaging visuals, the segment illustrates how tax dollars circulate back into communities to benefit everyone. The tone is educational and upbeat, aiming to make a traditionally dry topic accessible and even enjoyable for children who may be hearing about taxes for the first time.
What parents say
Parents have praised We the People for making civics education entertaining and age-appropriate, with many noting that the series tackles topics like taxes in a way that holds children's attention without oversimplifying. On platforms like Common Sense Media and parenting forums, parents appreciate that the show uses popular artists and animation styles familiar to kids, making abstract governmental concepts feel relevant and engaging.
Some parents have mentioned using episodes like "Taxes" as conversation starters, finding that the musical format helps children retain information and ask thoughtful follow-up questions about how government works. Parents also note that the brevity of each episode—just five minutes—makes it easy to fit into busy schedules or use as a supplement to homeschool civics lessons.
A few parents have pointed out that while the series is excellent for introducing concepts, older children or those already familiar with civics may want more depth. Overall, parents recommend the show as a valuable resource for sparking curiosity about citizenship and democracy in elementary and middle-grade viewers.
What kids learn
Children learn the fundamental purpose of taxes and how they function as a cornerstone of community life. The episode breaks down the idea that taxes are not simply money taken away, but funds collected to pay for shared resources that everyone uses—schools, fire departments, public parks, and infrastructure. This helps kids understand that taxation is tied to the concept of collective responsibility and mutual benefit in a society.
The episode also introduces children to different types of taxes, giving them vocabulary and context for conversations they might overhear at home or see referenced in the news. By explaining income tax, sales tax, and property tax in simple terms, the segment builds foundational financial literacy and civic awareness. Kids come away with a clearer picture of how government services are funded and why contributing to the common good matters.
Beyond the mechanics of taxation, children absorb a broader lesson about participation in democracy. The episode reinforces that being a citizen involves both rights and responsibilities, and that taxes represent one way people work together to build and maintain the infrastructure that supports daily life. This civic framework encourages kids to see themselves as part of a larger community with shared needs and goals.
Parents' top 5 questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is this episode appropriate for younger elementary school children? | Yes, the episode is designed for children in early to mid-elementary grades. Cordae's rap and the bright animation keep the tone light and accessible, even if younger viewers don't grasp every detail about tax types. The five-minute runtime and musical format help maintain attention, and parents can use the episode as a springboard for age-appropriate follow-up conversations about how communities share costs for things everyone uses. |
| Does the episode explain where tax money actually goes? | The episode provides concrete examples of public services funded by taxes, including schools, roads, libraries, fire departments, and police. These are services children encounter in their daily lives, which helps make the abstract concept of taxation tangible. The visuals reinforce these connections, showing animated representations of tax dollars supporting community infrastructure. This grounding in real-world examples helps children understand the practical purpose of taxation beyond just a government requirement. |
| Will my child understand the different types of taxes mentioned? | The episode introduces income tax, sales tax, and property tax in simple terms, using Cordae's lyrics and animation to differentiate them. While young children may not retain all the distinctions immediately, the episode plants the seed for future understanding. Parents can reinforce these concepts by pointing out sales tax on a receipt or discussing how families pay for their homes, turning everyday moments into learning opportunities that build on what the episode introduces. |
| Does the episode present a political viewpoint on taxation? | The episode takes a neutral, educational approach, focusing on the mechanics and civic purpose of taxes rather than political debates about tax rates or policy. It presents taxation as a fundamental part of how democratic societies fund shared services, without advocating for higher or lower taxes. This makes it a useful starting point for families across the political spectrum who want to introduce the concept of taxation as a civic responsibility and community investment. |
| How can I extend the learning after watching this episode? | Parents can build on the episode by discussing which public services their family uses regularly—schools, parks, libraries—and connecting those to the idea of shared funding. Visiting a local library or fire station and talking about how taxes support these places makes the concept concrete. Older children might enjoy looking at a family budget or a simple explanation of a local tax bill to see how the ideas in the episode apply to real life. |
Writing
Directing
| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | You have the power to be an active citizen! A young woman finds her voice building community and making change, to the groove of a H.E.R. song. |
| 1 | 2 | These are our rights, what makes the USA the USA: speech, press, religion and more — and no one can take them away. Performed by Adam Lambert. |
| 1 | 3 | The subject of taxes can be a lil complicated. But when rapper Cordae breaks it down, it all begins to make sense. |
| 1 | 4 | Lin-Manuel Miranda, Daveed Diggs, Brittany Howard and the "Frozen" songwriters lay out a musical lesson about checks and balances in our government. |
| 1 | 5 | Brandi Carlile delivers a message for the young: speak out against the forces that try to silence you — because your right to free speech is protected! |
| 1 | 6 | States do some things, feds do others. But when federal and state governments link up, it's a beautiful balance of power. Performed by Kyle. |
| 1 | 7 | A Bebe Rexha song celebrates Nikola Tesla, Isabel Allende, Eddie Van Halen and more who started life somewhere else before becoming Americans. |
| 1 | 8 | A citizen's anthem from Andra Day says, "All rise!" When you need the law, the courts heed the call. Justice for one should mean justice for all. |
| 1 | 9 | We the people hold the power, and when we struggle, we pick each other up and get a little bit… stronger! Performed by Janelle Monáe. |
| 1 | 10 | Amanda Gorman, America's first-ever National Youth Poet Laureate, recites an original poem that celebrates people coming together. |
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