In this society of red and blue, “donkey and elephant” that we live in, it’s hard to not get caught up in your own opinions. Politics flood newsrooms on the daily, and can be conversation starters at restaurants nightly. But whenever someone, especially teenagers, talk frequently about their political views and passions, they are quickly regarded as “obsessed” or “pushy.” But I’m here to say that it’s okay for young people to be opinionated and politically active.
Politics are a way of organizing our country’s laws based on fairness, trust, and freedom (even though we still have to fight for rights for the LGBT+ community and POC…) The United States preach democracy, and since the country isn’t communist, individuals over the age of 18 can vote in local and federal elections. Although adults have the privilege of voting, teenagers have found enlightenment within the political community and are becoming engaged in politics.
I, personally, am very outspoken about my stance on political subjects. I experience backlash from adults, family members, and even my friends because of my constant vocality. Why are adults shaming young people for being opinionated? Teenagers, millennials, and the like will soon be the face of the country – why would we not have opinions?
But it’s no wonder why young people are so politically engaged, for they have more resources of education than those of years prior. Millennials grew up with Google, Wikipedia, and the world wide web. They have utilized those resources to further their political education. Instagram pages and Twitter accounts have been used as platforms for LGBT voices, POC voices, feminist voices, and overall progressive outlets for teens. Teens have even created their own political podcasts for themselves to digest current news in an easy-to-understand platform.
Millennials, while they reside as the biggest generation, they also reside as the most left-leaning generation. In an article published in The Atlantic, reporter Derek Thompson discusses why Millennials are so involved in liberal politics:
There are three compositional reasons why young people lean left. First, they’re just plain young, and young people are typically to the left of the rest of the country on social and economic issues. Second, the under-30 cohort is the most diverse adult demographic in American history, and minorities have historically been to the left of the country as well. Third, even young white men and women are more liberal than their parents, particularly on three social issues—gay rights, immigration, and marijuana—and generally on their willingness to accept more government involvement in income redistribution and universal health care. (On gun rights and abortion, interestingly, Generation Y is right in line with the rest of the country.)
Whatever side one is leaning, it is important for young people to use their voice and speak up for what they believe in. The future faces of the country have power in numbers, and in views.
