As a college student, I know a lot of people my age consider themselves very liberal. It's a rare occasion when you meet another conservative on campus. Being a young Republican, there are several negative assumptions that come along with that.
Here is a list of 12 things we're all tired of hearing.
1. "You're only a Republican because your parents are."
Yes, my parents are both Republican and that's where my morals and beliefs were first taught, but I am my own person. I have done my own research and decided that my views side with the Republican Party. There are several things that even my parents and I disagree on. I wouldn't choose to be a Democrat just so I could be different.
2. "I bet you support Trump."
While many Republicans my age are supporting Trump, that doesn't mean we all are. We're entitled to our personal opinions and assuming we're all the same is incorrect. Just because you are a Republican doesn't mean you automatically support Trump.
3. "You're racist, sexist, etc."
This couldn't be farther from the truth. There are so many Republicans that come from unique racial and cultural backgrounds, both genders included. Take Marco Rubio, Condoleezza Rice, Ben Carson, and Bobby Jindal. These are just a few of the many, many examples.
4. "You're uneducated about the issues."
Just because someone has a different opinion than you doesn't mean they're wrong or uninformed.
5. "You're only a Republican because you're rich."
I am by no means rich. Did my parents have enough money to support their family? Yes, and I'm very blessed for that. However, they didn't pay for everything. As for college, I worked my butt off to get scholarships and opportunities to succeed. I was taught at a very young age that money requires work and things aren't just handed to you. That's exactly the reason why I strongly support capitalism.
6. "Why don't you want free college?"
NOTHING IS FREE. Would free college be awesome? Absolutely! However, I do not believe it's fair to tax working people to pay for it. If you want something, work for it.
7. "The GOP is a bunch of old, white men."
This is so untrue. I mean take a look at all the well-known conservatives in America. Lauren Conrad, Britney Spears, Carrie Underwood, Carly Fiorina, Condoleezza Rice, Megyn Kelly, Elizabeth Hasselbeck, and so many more. Point proven.
8. "You're close-minded."
This is the most common and most annoying. Conservative does not equal close-minded. I love hearing about different ideas and opinions.
9. "You hate immigrants."
I personally feel like our immigration system is broken and needs to be changed so it's more accessible to become an American citizen. However, I don't believe those here illegally should receive taxpayer benefits. I'm all for immigration as long as it's done legally.
10. "You don't support women's rights."
Usually, this is brought up when talking about abortion. What about the rights of the unborn child? It's not just about one person's rights at that point.
11. "You should just #FeelTheBern."
#NO. I do not support socialism.
12. "You only hear the Fox News version."
Fox News is my favorite choice of news programs, but I also enjoy hearing the different views on CNN, NBC, Huffington Post, etc.
