I’m not homophobic. I’m not racist. I’m not sexist. And I’m definitely not rich. (Being a broke college student is a real thing.) However, when I share that I’m a Republican, those are the typical assumptions made about me. As far as I know, no opinion is truly “better” than another. That’s what makes a thought an opinion. However, somewhere we as a society went wrong. My political views do not make me a bad person, and it’s time we all come to realize that.

Today, there is a huge focus on “political correctness” in order to eliminate stereotypes. Although there is quite a way to go, I think we have come a long way as a nation in accepting all races and genders. However, Conservatives endure a very strong kind of stereotyping with little attention brought to it. Just because I ask for a Republican ballot at the voting booth doesn’t mean I support Donald Trump or think lesser of any group. However, in most media outlets, Republicans are constantly coming under fire for various racist, sexist, or otherwise inappropriate comments or actions. In addressing this, first I would like to say there are two sides to every story. A few words can be spun in numerous and opposing directions. Second, I would like to say that even if an individual did act inappropriately, his or her actions have no correlation to me. The whole premise of defeating a stereotype is to not allow a few individuals define an entire group. It’s not fair to assume all Muslims are jihadists. So by the same logic, it’s not fair to assume all Conservatives are racist or sexist or homophobic.

I’m not ashamed of my political views, and I refuse to feel guilty for my opinions. It’s so important to respect everyone willing to share their opinion, no matter how much you disagree with it. It takes courage to speak your innermost thoughts, and no one should be punished for that. When we start shaming others’ thoughts, they will stop sharing. When we as a society stop sharing ideas, we will stop growing. I truly believe that all humans are inherently equal and each and every person deserves the best opportunities this world has to offer. I simply believe in a different way of attaining this mutual goal that we can agree to strive for across party lines. However, it is true that some who call themselves “Republicans” may not strive for this goal. Some may believe they are entitled to more or that others are made of something lesser than they are. I would immediately dismiss these individuals as neither Republicans nor Democrats, but simply categorize them as jerks. Unfortunately, jerks will claim they are a lot of things, but at the end of the day, they’re still just jerks.