Recent news in America has some people raging with fury and hatred, others questioning the security and safety of current and future federal policies, some feeling both sympathy and empathy with other citizens and even has many people dividing and fighting one another's ideas and thoughts. The differences in opinion regarding Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton have sparked many people's disputes; however, the recent events, most of which have taken place in Orlando, have many people supporting each other, but also dividing in opinions. As a millennial in America today, there are many thoughts and opinions that race through my mind, but even more importantly are the questions and great confusion that I have.
Often, the generations that precede millennials question the beliefs and work ethic of this younger generation. Many people find this to be unfair; however I have always believed that questioning helps individuals learn and grow. In helping others understand my millennial mind, here are my beliefs that are shared by many of my fellow millennials, and hopefully many American and global citizens. I believe that all people should be entitled to the same rights despite differences we may have from one another, after all, we are all humans and deserve to be treated as such. I believe in kindness and honesty. I believe that all motives and actions should derive from a place of good. I believe that despite differences, everyone is entitled to their own opinions. If every person shared the same thoughts we would never grow and prosper as a whole. I believe that differences should be respected. The last belief I will share is my belief in the importance of hard work. I don't think these beliefs are outrageous in any way, in fact, I feel as though they should be universal. However, it is clear that they are not shared by everyone.
As a 20-something American, I am just getting started. Deciding the direction I will take after college is just happening now. Many millennials are earning degrees, getting their careers started, buying apartments and houses, voting and fighting for what they believe in. This generation is a generation of go-getters, of people who have a voice behind their thoughts and ideas. I always like to view life through an optimistic lens, one where I see reality but have a strong focus on the good. I want to believe millennials and all Americans and people of the world will fight through today's problems and overcome hatred and ignorance to create a better America and hopefully a better world. Sadly, hatred floods through this nation stronger than it should. Still, I hope for a better world and will continue to believe in the good.
As a millennial in America today, I know wonderful places and ideas exist, I know that beliefs and opinions conflict and I also know that too often incidents take shape that are harmful and unnecessary. I am often left in a state of confusion. What policies will create a safer nation? What does the future hold? Why do kind, innocent people suffer? I am left with questions about my own personal life, as well as questions about the direction and safety of the nation. As a millennial in America today I see the need for people, generations, colleagues, politicians, religions, families, cultures, cities and communities, to come together to share ideas and perspectives and to work toward a greater world. Fighting against one another will not create a desirable result, but communicating and being respectful have a greater opportunity at gaining a positive effect.
My thoughts can be properly concluded (but only for now) with this quotation:
"To change ourselves effectively, we first have to change our perceptions."
