Millennials Are Paying Attention To The "Trump Show"
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Millennials Are Paying Attention To The "Trump Show"

Real Estate Mogul Donald Trump has drawn Millennials to the polls in large numbers.

8
Millennials Are Paying Attention To The "Trump Show"
Lawrence Lease

The 2016 election cycle has become known as “The Trump Show.” Donald Trump has always teased at a possible run for the White House. However, it was still difficult to actually imagine reality TV star Donald Trump would dominate the GOP field. This rings true on the Democrat side. Democratic Socialist Bernie Sanders became an electable candidate but now trails behind Hillary Clinton at 29 percent, higher than Barack Obama in the October before the 2008 election. The social media name-calling and bickering has provided Generation Y with water cooler topics, it also created the right mixture of humor and partisanship to pique the interest of Generation X, who often do not show up to vote.

This campaign cycle comes with different campaigns and unique candidates, because of that, students have become more engaged than they might have been if there were any typical candidates. Part of the entertainment value comes from The Donald, whose inflammatory comments serve largely as conversation pieces for the generation that grew up watching his polarizing personality fire people on "Celebrity Apprentice.” Trump may not be a serious candidate for Millenials across college campuses, Clinton’s lead grows against Trump, 51 percent to 25 percent. Trump has managed to intertwine entertainment and politics that causes anyone to become more political aware at the presidential level.

When Trump calls immigrants "criminals" and "rapists," it's easy for Millennials to laugh at his ignorance, but to do so requires a basic exploration of the xenophobia and fear from which his perspective is grounded. Having Trump as the party spokesman doesn't exactly paint the GOP in a favorable light, considering that many Millennials had little knowledge or sympathy towards the GOP's policies to begin with. Despite Donald Trump’s aid in ending political apathy among the youth, you must consider whether his involvement will cause Millennials to show up to vote.

According to a Fusion Massive Millennial Poll, 77 percent of 18 to 34-year-olds are “very likely” to vote in the 2016 general election. However, a similar poll taken in 2012 found that 67.3 percent of young adults were “extremely” likely to vote although only 49 percent of Millenials actually did. But if Millennials want to use our collective privilege to become an actually significant political constituency, we have to show that we care—beyond social media slacktivism and Donald Trump memes. We have to vote.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

112501
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments