I was nervous to write this article because of my lack of experience and education on this topic. It also seemed a bit too much considering the sudden so-called division of our society today; however, my dad had just recently told me to stop being afraid to voice my own opinion. So, this is my perspective on not only the election but the double standard that has been placed on our nation

When you're young you are surrounded by your parents' beliefs, but I have developed my own opinions, thoughts, and choices aside from theirs while some of them line up. Recently, as you may know, Mike Pence, the VP-elect, went to the "Hamilton" musical and got booed as he walked in. Now, everyone is entitled to their own beliefs, but it's a matter of respect and how you treat another person that's important. Aside from his views on certain topics, he's a human being and booing him doesn't change anything. It's bad-mannered.

The same question circles around my brain daily, especially after what happened in the after-math of the election. Why are people constantly saying we need to treat others fairly when acts like this happen? Isn't that treating that person unfairly? Regardless of whether or not you agree with their policies and opinions, it is inequitable. I think it's important to understand that we are still a country. We are still neighbors living among each other. My hope is that we screw the double standard, screw the hypocrisy, and screw the judgement.

I talk about hypocrisy and I'm sure in this piece I can come off that way. But my values are more powerful than those being a burden on another human's life because of the color of their skin or who they go home to at night or what they fight for. I don't necessarily agree with what I'm "supposed" to believe in or what the leaders of our world do, but I stand by them because that is their right and their job.

I want to live in a place where elections don't create protests. I want to live without worrying about what the media has to say next. All of the distress will be blown away the moment we all just accept each other for the things we can't change. Give others a chance and lend a hand to those in need. We are all one.

My opinions may not hold any importance to you, but I know they should be heard. I don't ask that whoever is reading this to agree with me; I just ask that you open your mind to how others feel about our world today. But I am not afraid to stand up for what I truly believe in, and I do so without hatred for others. It's okay to want change in the government, but let's do so without violent and uncivil manners. We could all use a lot more love.