Whether we choose to acknowledge it or not, the world around us is full of political dismay. If it isn't discussion surrounding the upcoming election, it's issues concerning immigration, sexuality, or welfare. Politics surround all of us on a daily basis and while not many people would say they love politics, it undoubtedly affects us all. However, the greatest effect these political issues have is on the millennial generation.
For the millennial generation, it's now our time to decide what stances we will take. We are being pressured to decide what we see as right or wrong and what party we will associate ourselves with. For those of us who are freshly 18 or 19, we are quickly approaching the first election we will be able to take part in. While this is exciting, it also becomes stressful, as the stances we can take on a variety of issues are becoming limitless. Our generation is encouraged and even praised for creating our own opinions and backing the opinions of the 'new age'. However, while the people who are nurturing new ways of thought and action are uplifted, others are silenced.
As the most liberal generation to arise, those of us who deem ourselves 'young Republicans' are automatically given a variety of labels: racist, old-fashioned, homophobic, and backwards are only a few. Our voices are slowly being taken from us as our peers and elders shame, belittle, and most importantly, quiet us. As young Republicans, we are unable to speak our opinions due to the perversion of our party by others who believe differently than we.
America as a society has become all too politically correct. This allows people with odd beliefs to be put under a spotlight while those of us with more conservative views on issues are told we are wrong. Many young Republicans are unable to speak on their beliefs due to the fear of being labeled politically incorrect, causing them to face social, and in some cases legal, repercussions. We are told we are non-accepting, ignorant, and flat out wrong about things that we believe to be right.
Founded on the belief that all should have the freedom to speak, think, and live as they wish, America has majorly deviated from these core values. As young Republicans, we don't want to silence the popular opinion, nor do we want to hush those who think differently than ourselves. We simply want to be heard, no matter how unpopular our opinions may be in today's society, and be given the same respect, courteousness, and attention that those who think differently than us receive. It is our country just as much as it is theirs and the opportunity to influence it is a right that should be given to all, not just those with a popular or different opinion. We have no hate for others or their beliefs, so please, allow us to have pride in ours.
