Every generation wishes they will be alive for the next technological advance or cultural phenomenon. Millennials have already lived through countless terrorist attacks, the harsh reality that Donald Trump might actually be president and more crises than I feel comfortable mentioning. It is my sincere hope that, despite those terrible events, a multitude of positive things will also occur to counteract them.
1. No more wage gap
The mere fact that women earning $0.77 for every dollar a man makes is a reality alludes to just how sexist of a society the United States is. It is unfair that having a uterus and the ability to give life to another human being makes approximately half of the population less professionally profitable than the other. If equality and inclusivity are to prevail, the wage gap needs to close.
2. A Mars landing
When Neil Armstrong first walked on the moon, he declared it “one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” Imagine how giant of a leap a Mars mission would be! It’s been 47 years since a human being has set foot on another planetary body. If our ultimate goal is to understand the secrets of our 14 billion year old universe, we have an incredible amount to catch up on.
3. Johnny Depp winning an Oscar
While the nation was obsessing over Leo these past few years, everyone’s favorite Tim Burton muse has been patiently waiting for his own recognition. The fact that such an incredibly talented man has played so many iconic roles: Captain Jack Sparrow, Edward Scissorhands, Sweeney Todd, The Mad Hatter, etc., and not won an Academy Award is baffling.
4. The end of “coming out”
Because when it all comes down to it, the only people who should care about who you’re attracted to are the person you’re attracted to and yourself. A world where LGBTQ rights are just as universally valid as everyone else’s is a world we should all hope to live in. I wholeheartedly believe that if people promote inclusivity, it will make for a healthier, happier society where people don’t feel oppressed enough to be “in the closet” in the first place.
5. Better regulation of police brutality
In the United States, an American citizen is killed by police every seven hours. With those killings, members of the police force are indicted in only 1 percent of those cases. With as much prevalence as it has, especially within the past few years, you have to be living under a rock to not recognize that police brutality exists. Of course police officers should be respected for putting their lives on the line, but a more strict enforcement of exactly how they can conduct themselves needs to be implemented.
6. A female president of the United States
Regardless of who it is, electing a female commander in chief is long overdue. In the 227 years since George Washington’s first term, there has been an overwhelming male majority in all areas of the government. Consequently, women’s rights have only slightly improved throughout history. It’s a safe assumption that should a woman be elected president of the United States, equality will prevail.