It’s election year. This year is probably one of the most important elections that America has seen in a long time. We millennials need to make our voice heard and we need to vote. For those of you who aren’t interested in politics, hear me out.
Growing up, I used to be annoyed at my parents because they would constantly talk about politics. I would come home everyday from school and would see CNN or Fox News on the television, my mom would talk about politics at dinner, and I would even sit through boring conversations with family friends. I hated it. I hated listening to conversations that started out with phrases such as, “this is what’s wrong with the country…” or “America has gone down the drain.” I would always rant to my closest friends about how I’m so sick of hearing about what’s right or wrong about America.
Of course, as a teenage girl, the only major issue I cared about was Zac Efron and who his new girlfriend was. I followed the lives of celebrites and would constantly Google the latest Hollywood gossip. A 15-year-old girl doesn’t want to hear about foreign policy or immigration issues – a 15-year-old girl wants to hear about the latest celeb couple. When I was in high school, I would fall asleep in my history and government classes because I had this ‘I don’t care about this so why do I need to learn about this’ attitude. As a naïve teenager, I just assumed that I would never need to know about the government because I just simply wasn’t interested in it.
Once I became a journalism major in college, I finally realized that I need to listen to what’s going on in the country – not only will it make me more intelligent, but it will make me a more informed young woman. Since I’m only 20, this is my first time voting so I’m trying to follow as much politics as I can. In order to be smarter about the country, I actually need to watch debates and read political news. Not only will it make me a better journalist, but it will also make me a more mature individual when talking to adults.
I know what you all are thinking, ‘millennials don’t care about politics’ or ‘millennials only care about themselves.’ But the thing here is, millennials SHOULD care about politics. We are the generation that is going to make a difference in this country. We are the future of America. Don’t vote for a candidate because you think he’s cute, or a woman, or funny … vote for a candidate because you actually like his/her policies, plans, and ideas. Vote for a candidate who you can see leading America in the right direction. Choose the candidate who you believe will be a great leader. Take time away from reading about the Kardashians and read about one of the candidates in the presidential race. Read their backgrounds, what they want for America, maybe even watch them in interviews to see how they treat people. Turn on the news every morning and learn about the latest current events – whether it is a statement Hillary said the night before, or the new idea that Rubio has for health care.
We are the most powerful generation America has seen in a long time. Do research and stay informed. You have the right to vote in this country – take advantage of it and make your voice heard!