Politics.

I know, I know. you're sick to death of hearing about it. Just reading the word probably drives you mad. I have my fair share of days when I'd rather discuss literally anything else than the United States' never-ending political showdown. Let's be honest, no matter what party you lean towards, constantly talking and hearing about politics can become disheartening, annoying, and downright depressing.

With that being said, I'm also one hundred percent that person who can't help but bring up the latest news I hear or the newest government controversy that overflows my Facebook or Twitter feed. Why do I do it? Because I like hearing what my peers have to say. I like finding like-minded people to have deep and genuine discussions with about the state of affairs in this country. I like finding people who completely disagree with my point of view because I want to understand why they think their views are better. I want to know if someone has genuinely put some thought into why they side with one political party, movement, or person, or if they just swallow whatever philosophy their family or community has pushed down their throats without question.

All the time I see people leaving the same comments over and over:

"They don't have any place to be talking about politics."
"You're not old enough to have an opinion on politics."
"No one cares for your opinions."

It's always examples like these or some other vitriol that gets my blood boiling.

Not everyone is going to agree with what I say, just like I might not agree with someone else's opinion. It's perfectly understandable to disagree with someone's point because they aren't educated in any way on the topic, they're spreading false information or myths, or maybe their argument is just weak! It's completely different, however, to judge a person's opinion as stupid, or unworthy just because we don't like them.

A perfect example of this is with celebrities. Cardi B, a former stripper, television personality, and now mega-famous rapper/singer, recently discussed the government shutdown on an Instagram story. She didn't try to force possible solutions to her audience, she didn't make up lies, and she didn't act as if she knew better than anyone else. She solely voiced her opinion on a situation that is affecting many Americans, a situation that she is genuinely scared about — I think many of us can agree that the shutdown is cause for distress. Instead of people taking her video for what it was, just a citizen voicing their thoughts on politics, many began to attack her past and present careers, her intelligence, her talent, and so much more.

As if any of that mattered. As if any of those things somehow stops her from having thoughts.

Here's a newsflash, people: It doesn't matter who you are, what your occupation is, how old you are, or how respected you are or not. Anyone is entitled to an opinion on politics. Everyone can have a say.

That's the beauty of a democracy.

Get over it.