In the most bizarre presidential election thus far, it is important to look at the varying demographics of voters and be aware of the significant influence that this debate, surrounded by mindless spewing of slander, can have on the mindsets of the younger generation.

In a way that is not intended to refute the views of either candidate, it becomes crucial in a time such as this to spread the idea that a lack of educated thoughts and the ridiculous denigration being spread, has generated a strong stigma of hate throughout the country- greater than any standard political differences.

The existential crisis in which our country has fallen into can be looked at in a predominantly comedic fashion, but the reality of the situation and potential impeding chain of disaster is much greater than the humor within the idea that our presidential race has become the laughing stock of the world. In a country founded on the notion that the law is to serve the citizens, rather than victimize and dictate the decisions of the people, there is no chance towards an encouraging and healthy future for Generation Z, with the way in which the bulk of society is treating each-other during this election, and the decisions of the candidates.

As gracefully said by Michelle Obama in her last speech,

“This isn’t about politics. It’s about basic human decency.”

No, it is not about politics. While at the same time, it couldn’t be more about politics, it is the forty-fifth presidential election. An election in which one candidate proudly announced: “I could stand in the middle of 5th Avenue and shoot somebody, and I wouldn’t lose voters.” An election in which children are publicly posting about their opinions behind hating a certain candidate, whilst having little specific or educational reasoning; lacking any rational thought in a true political sense. Michelle Obama recognizes the surreal natures of this election and the severity of the results, while noting how equally important it is for the general public to become educated, and aware of the negative influence that open-ended and offensive statements may have on children and the decency of humankind.

When advocating for any political party, there must be a certain level of justification towards backing either candidate. A child should never be exposed to the immense degree of relentless disrespectful comments that encompass this election. Children, who have now created their own negative mindsets towards the race based on their atmospheres, what they’re watching on television, hearing their family members say, and the passive amount of negative campaigning found country-wide.

In order to move forward in any possible capacity or towards any positive progression, the younger generation has to be aware that while only their parents or older siblings are eligible to cast a vote, this election holds a tremendous bearing on the future of their education, families, and lifestyles. The number of children’s ears constantly exposed to such blasphemy tremendously determines the mindsets of a generation with the potential to be the most progressive and open-minded cohort there has ever been.