You probably saw the article going around a few weeks ago titled: "An Open Letter to The Odyssey Online." For those who haven't read it, I'll give you the abridged version. According to the article, "The Odyssey is a bunch of privileged white kids with stupid opinions." It keeps popping up on my Facebook timeline every once in a while, so I've decided to address it.
If you don't like what's on our website, change it. We are always looking for new writers and new communities to expand the network to. If you don't want to see another "Open Letter to Whoever," apply and write something that you would want to read. Write about your hometown, your favorite movie, your opinion about the election, your opinion on the new bathroom laws, or anything else that you want. All of our content is up to us to brainstorm, research, and write.
Odyssey is our chance and our platform to show the elder generations that we're not all the same. We're not lazy 20-somethings planning on living in your basements forever. I'm 20 and I am a licensed insurance producer working 40 hours a week. I write for the Odyssey, I work odd jobs on the side, I volunteer at the local VA hospital, and I mentor middle school girls in being genuine and strong. Tell me again why my generation is going to be the downfall of society?
We're tired of being labeled and subsequently stereotyped as being sorority girls, homosexuals, Millennials, private school kids, student athletes, or Generation Y kids. Not all of us are the same. We have opinions on everything from politics and tuition prices to John Hughes movies and makeup brands. This is our place to express that. You don't have to agree with us. I don't agree with everything that has been posted on this site, but in a time of safe spaces and being cushioned from the world, some of us do want to engage other people. We want to hear your opinions, your feedback, and what you think about current events and the world that we live in. We welcome your comments (hence the new comment section on our articles).
I have friends who come to me and say, "Hey, I've had this thing on my mind. You actually have a voice in the world now, so you should write about it." People want to say things, but they don't know how. People want to be heard and have a voice in the world, but they don't know how. So, before you slam Odyssey, think about what you would write about week after week. Think about what it would mean to have a group of great people at your school or in your community who invite you to expand your point of view on the world and encourage others. Think about the times when you haven't been able to speak up for yourself. Think about those who don't have a voice. Then, speak up.
