Society likes to boss us around.They tell us who to vote for, what to eat, what to wear and which shows to watch. With social media today, it's nearly impossible to avoid hidden messages, advertisements or marketing for the "hottest" or "newest" thing we "need." Over time, our brains are embedded with information -- both good and bad. Specifically, for us millennials, our brains have been implanted with certain ideas and beliefs that we're supposed to be concerned about.
Here are the three things we should be less concerned about.
Eyebrows
Let's get one thing straight: YOU ARE NOT YOUR EYEBROWS. The recent eyebrow craze is driving me a little insane and I partially blame Kim Kardashian. Back in November Kim posted a photo on Instagram using the hashtag "EyebrowsOnFleek" while posing next to the infamous big-browed Cara Delevigne.
Ever since then, the obsession with perfect eyebrows has increased. Primped, not-a-hair-out-of-place brows currently flood the "explore" page on my Instagram. I understand the importance of obtaining nicely groomed eyebrows to look professional and put together, but I'm worried that the trend is going into a downward spiral. I see quotes such as, "Don't let anyone with bad eyebrows tell you anything about life," and, "How can I like your personality when I don't even like your eyebrows?"
It sounds like this trend to have perfect eyebrows is turning into a self-esteem dropper. What happens to the people that don't have the means to obtain groomed eyebrows and don't meet the "on fleek" standards? It sounds ridiculous, but this is a major issue because it's sounding like two small chunks of hair are determining self worth... In what world is that okay?
Our Phones
Nobody is single anymore. I say this because everyone is in a crazy, serious relationship with their phone.
We constantly check in, we feel weird and "naked" without it, we would be upset if we lost it, and we love staring at it (is that normal?). With phone commercials on every other minute, it's nearly impossible to avoid the fascination and obsession with these mobile devices. There's always something new and exciting out there. We're brainwashed to believe that a phone is all we'll ever need. However, that's not the case at all. Phones have become a priority for society, while the actual world with real people in it are an option. Shouldn't it be the other way around? Most of us would choose to stare at our phones in an elevator rather than talk to the person standing next to us. Am I right? We are led to believe that phones are the only interaction we need, when in reality we are desperate for human interaction. We must put down the devices and remember what it was like before everything was in the palm of our hand. We live on an amazing planet, so why do we sit here encapsulated by a screen?
Virginity
You're probably thinking "virginity? Isn't that something we SHOULD be concerned about?" Well, you're absolutely right. However, I think we should be more aware and concerned about the stereotypes regarding virginity rather than the noun itself. Growing up, we all watched movies and television that taught us it's "lame" for a guy to be a virgin in college, and it's unbecoming for a woman to have sex with whoever she wants, whenever she wants. I have a major problem with these beliefs/stereotypes. Who is the person deciding these absurd rules?
Why has losing our virginity become a concern for people not involved? Each individual must decide what's right for them without the fear of being scolded, taunted, or judged. For most people, losing your virginity is a big deal, and everyone handles it differently. The media says this is what virginity is, this is how it should be handled, this is what's right, and this is what's wrong. As young adults, we can't be influenced that easily by what Hollywood, the media, or social networks are saying. We must let our peers decide what's best for them and stay out of their business. It's not our virginity to be fretting over.
