I think we can all agree that the 2016 presidential election brought out a nasty side in a lot of people. Whether you're a republican or a democrat, you can't disagree at the fact that the world has become a constant war zone - especially since Donald Trump took office. I'm not sure about all of you, but I can't go on Facebook without feeling scared, saddened and worried for the very world we live in.
A few days ago, I called my mom in complete and utter hysterics. While I am all for people expressing their opinions and having the right to speak up, I am not okay with people bashing one another over their opinions. I am not okay with people tearing each other apart because they don't agree with one another. I am not okay with the lack of respect people display to one another.
I agree that we should discuss what's going on in the world right now. I do not have any problems with peaceful protests and standing up for your rights. I actually think things like that are extremely admirable. I don't think it's fair for people to attack those who are peacefully protesting. For example, I am pro choice so clearly I would not have gone to the March on Life protest in Washington. However, I will respect the people who are pro life who went to the event. I will not sit there and bash conservatives for standing up for their beliefs just because I disagree.
I am a democrat, and I'm one of the only ones in my family - so you could imagine the discomfort I may have when I have family as well as some friends post some pretty disgusting things about liberals. It makes me cry if I'm going to be honest (and it's not because I'm an overly emotional 21 year old.) Whether or not I agree with you on your political views, I will never sit there and bash you as a person because of our differences in beliefs, and I wish that was something that everybody kept in mind.
Please learn how to agree to disagree people. Please do not try to shove your beliefs down another's throat because they are not the same as your own. Please feel free to share your opinions, but respect another's opinion when they disagree with your own. This all may sound like common sense and repetitive but for the past year, all social media outlets have become a never ending war zone.
However, don't keep your mouths shut if you feel strongly about something. It's honestly refreshing to see our generation concerned about what's going on in the world rather than obsessing over the newest iPhone (okay, you all kind of still do that too but I'm not going to let it take away from how involved our generation has become.) Don't be afraid to speak up, just make sure you're respecting others who speak up too.
