2019 Is The Year For Acknowledgement, Acceptance And Respect | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
New Year

2019 Is The Year For Acknowledgement, Acceptance And Respect

It's 2019, people.

639
2019 Is The Year For Acknowledgement, Acceptance And Respect

In This Article:

With 2018 coming to an end, it's time to think about how to make 2019 better. We are slowly but surely becoming a world where we're more accepting of people, no matter their background, who they love, or how they live their life. However, there are still plenty of instances where this is not the case. 2018 may have not been the best year for progress, but progress is progress, and 2019 is just one step closer.

2019 can be one more step in the progress of acknowledgment, acceptance, and respect by normalizing the way people live. This is the year to normalize...

1. Boys playing with "girl" toys and vice versa

It's time to accept that kids just want to play with whatever they want. Kids are just kids and they see something they like, just let them be! It shouldn't matter that little billy is playing with a doll or Susie wants a hot wheels car. They're just toys!

2. Not treating women like objects

2018 was huge for women and the #Metoo movement. This year, let's keep that up. Believe women's stories, and stop treating them like objects. High school girls shouldn't have to cover their shoulders, women are more than sexual objects, and it's time to treat them better. It's not about it being someone's mom, sister, daughter, or wife. It's about it being someone, and a person is not just an object for someone else to use.

3. Trans people using the restroom they identify with

Trans people are not using the bathroom to peak on anyone. They just need to pee! It's time to stop throwing a huge fit over someone using the bathroom that they feel comfortable with. Let trans people use the bathroom that they identify with, nothing else will come of it except bladder relief.

4. Not forcing physical affection on people

It shouldn't matter if it's a family member, friend, and close family friends, if someone doesn't want to give them a hug or a kiss, they shouldn't have to. It's time to stop forcing physical affection on people, especially kids. If they don't want to, don't force them to!

5. Mental health needs are real

2019 is the year to be there for those who suffer from mental illness. Mental health needs are very real. If you need a break from stress, take it. If you know someone is struggling, try to be there for them. If you see yourself going down a bad path, help yourself. Mental health problems aren't new and these generations aren't 'soft', it's just time to accept that they exist.

6. Men crying and non-toxic masculinity

It's not that hard to be a decent human being and show a more non-toxic side of masculinity. Although there's a huge stigma around it and men get laughed at for not living up to toxic masculinity instead, this is the year to encourage the nontoxic side much more. Oh, and let men cry! Everyone is allowed to show their feelings, even men.

7. Boys wearing makeup

Let boys be who they are. If a boy wants to wear makeup, who are you to stop them or judge them? It's time to accept that boys can look damn fine in makeup just as well as women.

8. People come from different countries and have different skin color

This is a major obvious one. Accept that people aren't always from the same country as you and aren't the same color as you. Everyone's lives are different, and that includes how people spend their days as a person of color. Although this shouldn't be on this list of things to "normalize" in 2019, it has to be. Accept people for who they are instead of judging them on it.

9. Different body types

Yes, everyone has a different body type too. It's time to accept that not everyone is a size zero, one, or two. Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes and it shouldn't take this long to respect that. Hopefully, this is the year to embrace this with more plus-size models as well.

10. Homosexual relationships in public

And lastly, it's 2019 folks! It's time to understand the fact that love is love, it's not a phase, and that homosexual relationships of any kind are just as valid as straight ones. With that being said, two men kissing or two women holding hands together shouldn't be looked down upon. It's about time that those in gay relationships are able to show their affection just like anybody else and not get commented on or bothered.

You're in charge of how you make 2019. Make it right!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

2351
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
college

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

1241
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

961
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

890
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments