Why do bad things happen to good people? Why, in a country that preaches tolerance and acceptance, is there so much hate? I don’t know the answers to these questions. I don’t know if I’ll ever have concrete answers but, I know that I am more confused now then I’ve ever been.
Family and friends are constantly telling me how important it is to vote. “Your future depends on the decisions you make now”, “You have to vote this year”, “Why aren’t you exercising your right as an American citizen?”, and my favorite, “I know you’re a millennial so you probably don’t think you need to vote but it’s your fault if your future isn’t what you want it to be. Your generation isn’t active, you have to vote, it’s your duty as an American.” I’m not active? I’m not being American enough if I don’t vote? Really? That’s way harsh (if you don’t get the reference, yikes).
I read an article this morning that the Intelligencer published. They interviewed several young people about the reason(s) why they don’t vote or, have stopped voting. In each of their profiles, they talked about the theatrics of politics, in one way, shape, or form. After having finished reading, I realized that I have everything in common with these people. Some of them have never voted because it’s too confusing. Some have voted in the past but stopped because they think the world is way too obsessed with choosing sides as opposed to doing what is actually right for the people. And, a general concensus was that they were so sick of being told what to do that they couldn’t even distinguish what was right for them to do personally versus what they’ve been told is the right thing to do.
I don’t appreciate being told that I’m not being a good American or I’m being a “classic millennial” by not engaging. Who’s saying I’m not engaged? Where do my own relatives- my family– why do they think they have the authority to tell me I’m not doing enough as a citizen to change my country? What if I don’t want to vote? What if I’m so sick and tired of being told what to do? Why is my not wanting to vote bad? I find myself identifying with a lot of what the article documented. I’ve never voted before. I’ve never wanted to vote before but, I do intend on voting this year and for years to come. Right now, I don’t know why I’m voting– I’m doing it but, I don’t know why, and THAT IS OKAY. To my best ability, I will make the right decision for me, not for the forces telling me what they think is right.
I started this by alluding to the Tree of Life shooting in Pittsburgh. Going to the vigil last night made me really think about where I am at this point in my life. Have I done enough as a millennial? As a woman? As a Jewish person? I’m frustrated that I’m not excited about voting. I’m confused about why, as a millennial, I’m being blamed for the state of our country and I’m confused about why we get such a bad rep as a generation. To my family and friends older than me, please don’t dismiss the fact that you do push your opinions on me. I know you’re trying to help me be the informed citizen you want me to be but, instead of telling me that Trump sucks (which, by the way, I know. That dude is ridiculous. The fact that you think you need to tell me this in the first place is insulting.), why don’t you help me navigate how to apply for my absentee ballot? Why don’t you encourage me to read as much as possible and continue my interest of my place in this political climate? Support me and help me understand, don’t expect me to know everything and then when I say I don’t know, please don’t act surprised. Instead of telling me I’m not doing my job, help me.
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Intelligencer article:
COMFORT FOOD 