We are supposed to be the greatest generation -- the millennials. Not only are we innovative and technologically advanced, but we also have created a seemingly more inclusive society that there ever has been in the United States. This, in theory, is a great advancement for America. In practice, it has become something very messy and has left the greatest generation divided.
You may wonder what I am talking about or ask yourself what rock I am living under. There have been so many movements within the past years that have pushed for equality, whether that be for same-sex marriage, women's rights, etc. Many people are advocates for the minority and want diversity in America. This is a great thing. However, while our generation begs for inclusiveness, we are also the harshest judges of character.
This is glaringly true in many of the major social controversies today. There was a time when a person that was homosexual would not want people to know and unfortunately, there were reasons to be afraid to admit something so personal. I know that there are still hardships for people who want to come out, but it is also true that many have become extremely accepting and that is a great step forward. I am happy that some people are finally becoming comfortable with themselves and loving and accepting who they are, as well as embracing it.
With many things, there is always another side. Our generation asks for tolerance and acceptance. If this is true and we want people to be diverse and bring different viewpoints into the light, why are some people still afraid to admit something personal about themselves? Why are people afraid to say that they are conservative? Or Christian? The answer is simple: The moment that someone admits either of these things about themselves, many automatic assumptions are made about them. Who knows? Within seconds, that person might have just become a gay-hating, gun-wielding individual that protests outside abortion clinics, condemns feminists, and adores the strong men that propel the ongoing existence of our harsh, American, patriarchal society. That is to say the least.
Maybe that does not seem too terrible. However, that is an attack on someone's personal beliefs. Just like our generation asks everyone to respect a same-sex marriage because it is how they feel and love is love, or how we ask people to accept transgenders because it is their personally-held belief, we should grant that same respect and acceptance towards all beliefs, thoughts, and ideas.
Our generation is supposed to be the greatest. We have made America more diverse and inclusive. The great thing about this country is that their is no uniformity and different ideas and perspectives are always being brought to light. We are a melting pot of cultures, beliefs, and people. If we are going to preach diversity and make a lasting change in this country, we have to follow through and apply that rule to everyone. If us millennials are going to live up to being named the greatest generation, we need be consistent in our arguments and not pick and choose which situations we are going to accept and which we will condemn. No one believes or wants to follow a hypocrite.
