In the news we regularly hear that America is currently more politically polarized than ever before. Meaning, the left and the right wings are more severe than usual with few falling in-between. This polarization is a phenomenon that most of the millennial generation cognizant of, and a contributor to. The progressive side is in a constant state of social change and evolution, while the conservative side is holding tight to generations worth of unchanging values.

Being a millennial, this polarization became evident to me in high school. We'd have class discussions about classic books or historical events and I watched as people got bullied for their family's values and how they were raised. I recall my American History teacher showing us a spectrum of political beliefs, with extremists on either end. And he said, "In America, we may feel that the left and right wings stand for the exact opposite things. But, we were all raised in a country of freedom where we have access to education and we can vote and we can discuss these things and class and disagree with one another. On a spectrum, we're as close as political parties can get."

I suppose I get nervous sometimes, when all I seem to hear is hate. Political parties have become religions, and name calling has become proof of faith. I worry for the next generation, the children of the millennials. I worry that race and orientation wars will be replaced with political prejudice. "My child won't be playing football this year, because I heard the coach is a republican." What happens to a child's brain when they are taught from infancy that we don't have to treat people with opposing ideals with respect? What happens when a family tells their child that their life is no longer good when the party that they don't belong to is in office? I fear it might be a dangerous game to teach a child to judge someone by elephant or donkey instead of the "content of their character".

I know that we all truly want our children to know what is "right" and what makes a decent human. All of that starts with how we treat others. I, at least, want my children to know that the first priority of ours should be love, understanding, and compassion. I want my children to know that we are to be thankful that in America others can speak their mind and have opinions, because that means that we can as well. Hate turns us into something ugly, full of bitterness and resentment. Hate makes it so that we can see someone on TV, or see someone pass us on the street and it will ruin or day or make our stomach turn. I hope that no one wants that for their children. I want my child to love the world and love people with every fiber of their being and be able to look out into their school and their town and say, "You are a person first, with a heart, and needs, and feelings. You are a person first, and that is how I will treat you."