Look, social media has more pitfalls than Hugh Hefner had girlfriends, but it also has some upsides. Case in point, I was hit with writers' block in a bad way the other day. So, like any self respecting millennial in 2024 I outsourced my problem.
I hoped online and asked my followers what I should write about... your answers were as varied as the fine people who inhabit this world. The following suggestions flowed in, musings on curly hair, diatribes on tasty food and adorable pets (my kind of audience) and even a request to revisit the cringey yesteryears of leaving emotional "away messages" on AIM (thanks Mike and Marc.) But one suggestion stuck out...
A 72-year-old follower who I will keep anonymous asked that I write about the younger generation's interest (or lack thereof) in leading our nation, our states, our cities, and our world. This writer also challenged me to pontificate on this matter without taking sides, which I appreciate since I don't share my own political leanings as I don't believe journalists should do so. I only voice my opinion in the ballot box, or over cocktails with friends.
So does anyone in my generation want the job of a public servant? We're currently seeing America's leaders aging and clinging onto power with a death grip (I wish I could say no pun intended.) From Diane Feinstein (who literally died in office at the age of 90), to Mitch McConnell, to RBG, to Joe Biden, and Donald Trump, I'm only skimming the surface of our elected leaders who are well past retirement age and arguably less invested than the generations who will be on this planet long after they are gone.
Now I want to be clear, I don't believe humans lose their worth past a certain age. In fact, age accrues wisdom and perspective. But, I do want to see people who statistically have a higher chance of being on this earth for the next 50 years start to make decisions about our future.
I can only speak for myself, and I have to tread lightly here as not to be partisan or overtly political, but it's time for the millennials to step up. We've witnessed a congress that would rather see the "other side" lose than see the country win. We've watched men and women who could be our grandparents engage in social media name calling that may entertain, but brings out the worst in human nature.
So why are younger generations sitting on the sidelines? Maybe we've lived too much... no one wants to see our "college skeletons" being pulled from our closets and slapped on headlines across the world. Again I am speaking for myself, but also synthesizing conversations I've had with younger people of varying ideologies, our generation is DONE with the two party system.
The two party system sets up a binary choice - "us or them." I reject the idea that I only have two choices for the direction of humanity. There are infinite choices, infinite solutions, and varying degrees of nuance on every issue we're facing. The two party system also creates an atmosphere where we're less focused on finding solutions and more focused on seeing "the other side" lose.
Let me ask you this, as voters we're essentially interviewing and hiring our leaders, correct? So imagine this, if you were an employer at a company and a brilliant candidate walked in, aced the interview, and then finished with the following statement, "I will work harder than anyone, I'll be the first to arrive and the last to leave, and I will give you my all, BUT I WILL NOT WORK WITH THE OTHER HALF OF YOUR STAFF. IN FACT, I WILL COMMIT MOST OF MY ENERGY TO MAKING SURE THEY FAIL AND CELEBRATE AND DANCE IN THEIR RUINS," would you hire them??? I sure as hell would not. And that is who we have in power for the most part across the board.
I think my generation wants to see innovation, community, beautiful cities where you can walk, enjoy the sites, and connect with your neighbor. I think my generation wants to see clean energy and a plan for a planet that's warming. I think my generation wants to work a full time job and be able to afford shelter, food, and a little extra to see the world. I think my generation wants to see a healthcare system that invests in health instead of profiting on illness. Pardon my french, but I think my generation doesn't give two shits about an (R) or (D) in front of your name and instead wants to see solution seeking ideas no matter what party they come from.
So I've stood on my soap box and said what we want to see. Now I have to ask the tough question, why the hell aren't we stepping up? It's never the time to be jaded. So younger generations clean out your closets, embrace your skeletons, put your damn smart phone down, and start creating the world you want to see.
Talk to people with different viewpoints and acknowledge their humanity while still staying true to your convictions. Know that "compromise" is not a dirty word. Look for solutions in your own backyard. Pick up the trash you see on your street, start the petition for the bike path that will bring your neighborhood together, speak up when you see injustice AND don't be quick to demonize. If our elders have taught us anything, tit for tat simply doesn't work.
So overall... I believe we want a society that admits we have problems and then collaborates to find the solution. It's time for us to put down our smart phones, roll up our sleeves, and work with our fellow humans regardless of their partisan affiliation. Actually... let's get rid of partisanship all together and work together with differences and all for a better world.
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