No matter who you voted for - Trump, Clinton, Sanders, third-party, a write-in, or not at all, you still had a say in whatever happened in this past election – whether you liked the outcome or not. I’m speaking to my peers now because we are the ones that are the next generation that will be leading this nation. But let’s get some things straight.
Being a part of this nation is a privilege that I feel so many have taken for granted – I know I have from time to time. We neglect to remember the men and women who worked so hard to let us live comfortably in 2017, and what are we doing? Getting into arguments on Facebook, blocking each other on Instagram, sending out some nasty subtweets on Twitter - some of which, to people who you may have considered to be your close friends. And that might be one of the saddest things that’s come since November and even before. I’ve lost friends due to differences in opinions and beliefs but not in a way that went down with grace and poise – like we should be treating everyone with; even those who believe the polar opposite of you.
I’ve seen peers get so wrapped up in their own mind-facts that arguments are broken out with elders and OUR GENERATION has the audacity to curse them out – just because they don’t feel the same way. Call me old-fashioned, but I still believe in respect even if you’re on two opposite ends of the spectrum.
Another thing that gets me is that the day after Trump was elected as our next President of the United States, many college professors gave their students the day off to color, have some wine, and mourn the future of our nation. How are we, as the next leaders of our nations, supposed to be taken seriously when we’re given permission to act like 5-year-olds every time something doesn’t go our way? I’m sorry the candidate you liked lost the election; move on and see what good you can do for your country because like it or not, if you’re still a US citizen, he IS your president.
But then there are the peers that take the responsibility of being a US citizen seriously and with pride. They speak out their views, but they do so in a respectful manner. They don't blame a certain people group for problems that there's no way they could have caused and they don't get offended when someone disagrees. It's hard to know that I have people in my life that used to be best friends that I've lost because of how they've handled situations and I have people in my life that believe the exact opposite of me and we're closer than ever. Overall, it comes down to how people react when something doesn't go their way. It worries me that if we're told that it's okay to act like children over something like your favorite candidate not getting elected then how we, as upcoming leaders of our nation, will know how to react when a real tragedy comes along. There won't be time for a day off and some champagne popping.
I’m in no way bashing anyone’s beliefs. Everyone has the right to their own and I am a firm believer in exercising the right to express their mindset. But if we as millennials are to take over the responsibility of leading the nation, then I suggest we leave the name-calling, friend-blocking, and curse words behind us and try to make this country what we want it to be – united in peace.
