Dear America,

I will start this letter to you by saying that I generally am the type of person to leave my opinions off of social media. I am generally the type of person who would much rather bite my tongue than suffer through the war of ignorant people who dedicate their time to proving me wrong. That being said, I am mentally prepared for the responses that are to come from posting this. I am OK with that. So, if you find it to be offensive, it is most likely directed at you specifically. So here goes nothing!

Where have we gone so wrong that week after week a new issue sprouts out so much controversy and hate that our society has become split down the middle? When did political beliefs become so black and white? Where have we gone so wrong that everyone these days needs to feel so coddled that a lack of political correctness is being treated as a hate crime? Where have we gone so wrong that when we hear someone else’s opinion we cannot just agree to disagree? So I think it is time that we all pulled up our panties, took a seat and had a little chat.

America, where have we gone wrong?

The first topic we all should discuss, that irritates me to no end, the “T” word; “Trump supporter.” I am not at all voicing my love for this man, nor am I announcingmyvote for him as our next president. We need to take a second to think about the connotation of this phrase. I cannot tell you the amount of times I have heard a conversation that went a little something like this:

“Joey just called me a bitch.”

“Well, he is a Trump supporter. What more do you expect?”

OK, wait. You’re trying to tell me that because Joey is voting for the Republican candidate for presidency, that he is some sort of bigot? The phrase “Trump supporter” is getting thrown around like a swear word. Hearing the phrase being used to compare that person to some sort of scum is bind blowing to me. You don’t hear the phrase “He’s a Hilary supporter. What more do you expect?” Secondly, maybe you were actually being a bitch!

While we are on that subject I would like to lead this conversation towards Anti-Trump rallies. Can anyone see the irony in using violence to protest someone for being hateful?

America, where have we gone wrong?

Standford rape case, need I say more? The country has had a giant uproar over the short six-month sentence that Brock Turner is facing after raping an unconscious woman behind a dumpster while he was intoxicated. This is something that many can agree is atrocious. Where is it that we have gone so wrong that crimes such as rape are being pushed aside as no big deal? Being a college student, I have heard of too many cases where girls have been raped, and nothing has been done about it. Why is someone being raped in college at a party any less devastating or criminal than a 30 year-old raping another 30-year old?

America, where have we gone wrong?

Weed. Marijuana. Green. Whatever you call it, it is pretty amazing what it can do for people in pain. It is also pretty amazing that in some states in America we can legally buy and smoke it. What weed is not made for is turning us into lazy asses who cannot function on a daily basis without being high. I am not talking about those who need medicinal marijuana. I am not even talking about people who recreationally and occasionally smoke to relax. I am talking to you potheads. Just because it is legal does not give you the right to be showing up to work, or class high. Why has it become so okay to be under the influence on such a regular basis that you forget what it is like to be sober for a full day? This is something so commonly seen on a college campus and it is getting a little out of hand. Get it together and worry about your future career, not the next joint in your future.

America, where have we gone wrong?

Police brutality is a real thing. People are being wrongfully injured, killed, and beaten. Yes, this all exists, but why does every single interaction you have with an officer need to be recorded? Why must we be so unbelievably disrespectful to those who put their lives on the line every single day for our safety? There are a lot more officers who deserve praise and gratitude than to be spit on and cursed at for doing their jobs.

America, where have we gone wrong?

Dare I say it, racism. There are some racist people in the world. Discrimination is a real issue in our society, and it is disgusting! One thing we need to realize as a whole is that not every white conservative is a racist. Not all racism comes from white to black. Pause, its story time.

Anyone who goes to IU knows that Killroys Sports Bar is the place to be every weekend. It is a fun dance club that is always filled with college students looking to dance and have a good time. One Friday, my girlfriends and I went upstairs to what is called “The Jungle.” We walked into the very crowded room filled with people (notice I said people). We were looking around trying to find the easiest path to the bar to grab a few drinks, when an African-American girl approached us. She grabbed my arm and said the words, “Honey, the white people are over there!” She then started to nudge me in that direction. Low and behold there was a small group of students in the corner of the room who seemed to have been directed there the same way that we were. The craziest part to me was that upon entering the bar I had not noticed the skin color of a single person until she had said something to me.

In the words of Morgan Freeman, “If you talk about it, it exists. It’s not like it exists and we refuse to talk about it. Making it a bigger issue than it needs to be is the problem here.” Not every interaction between separate races has to end in the accusation of racism. There are much bigger racial issues going on in America than whether or not in a gap add the white girl has her arm resting on the black girl.

America, where did we go wrong?

In the words of Drake, “I know girls love Beyoncé.” Beyoncé is known for being fierce, sexy and for lack of a better phrase a “bad bitch.” These are all things that many can agree on. Our society’s love for the pop artist has been dignified so much that May 23 is officially known as Beyoncé day in Minnesota. I wish this were a typo. Beyoncè is a great singer and all, but what the hell has she done to make this country better? Where have we gone so wrong that we have dedicated a day to a woman because of her music? This is getting pathetic! Where is National Anne Frank day, or National Gandhi day? I mean, even Angelina Jolie is doing more to make the world a better place than Beyonce.

With all of that being said, America, its time to man up. Stop taking offense to everything and then using that as an excuse to be an even bigger asshole. The world does not revolve around you and your feelings, and life is not fair! The world is not black and white. Worry about yourself and being the best person you can be, and others will treat you accordingly. Learn some respect and work hard for what you want. I leave you with this, “Sticks and stones will break your bones, but words will never hurt you.”