I am not usually one to think much of issues that are impacting the nation as a whole or even more so of ones across the globe. I tend to reside in my personal bubble only focusing on things such as school, friends, local current events, and any important breaking news. However, recently my perspective on basically everything has changed.
There are times in your life where you are unsure of certain things but you do them anyways because you have an innate feeling. I recently was on my way home one night and decided to stop by at an old friend's house. Not knowing who was home I proceeded to the door and rang the bell. My friend's mother answered and greeted me with open arms although its been a year or so since we have last spoken. We sat down and caught up about school and family and everything else going on in my personal life. However, the conversation eventually changed direction, leading to one of the most eye-opening and perspective changing talks I've ever had.
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In my youth, I was a very reserved child and was very shy around people that I didn't know very well. I didn't have the best confidence and wasn't very fond of myself as a whole. As I grew up I remained somewhat stagnant in my ways and personality. I grew up thinking that I was just another number and was always satisfied staying in the background of most things. I never thought I would be able to influence, inspire, or move people. I wasn't going to change the world or save the planet.
Fast forward a decade or so and we are about a week into 2016. News broadcasts are consumed by overseas terror threats, political debates, homicide stories, gun control laws, poverty, school closings, and anything that will get a rise out of the general public. I find myself asking lately, "Does the news broadcast the good of the world anymore? Is there even good left in a world consumed by corporate greed, political power struggles, and dehumanizing violence?"
It may seem as all hope is lost as Generation Y continues their lives in such a scary and unloving world. However, I'm here to tell you that we have the power to change this world. People still love each other, people still care for each other, and people still want to help each other. But there is a difference between want and do. We need to be the generation that stops moving our mouths and starts taking actions.
I, like many others, am sick of living in a world where violence, suicide, greed, hate, murder, conflict, disease, death, mental illness, abuse, and addiction have become the normality and are tolerated. When did we allow fellow human beings to take their own life, be cruel to others, struggle with drugs and alcohol, feel so alone in a world of billions, not have a purpose, or be treated as unequals? We have become so absorbed in ourselves, technology and personal gains that we have turned a blind eye to the people beside us. Why? Why has our world come to this? When will it be too late that the good of mankind is lost?
I may be one person but I want to change this world. I cannot do it myself but I will be damned if I don't give it a shot. I am part of a generation that has seen revolutions across every aspect imaginable. Generation Y might not realize their potential or the possibilities but I do. We can restore the good of mankind but it is going to take absolutely everything and everyone.
We need to start loving the people in our lives more.Start reaching out to friends, family members, and strangers. Let them know how much you care and show them kindness. We need to start giving more and expecting less.Begin offering a helping hand to anyone in need. Be sure to do the right things always. Become a more honest, respectful, and responsible person. We need to stop the violence. Stop resolving conflicts with weapons and harm. Help prevent abuse and others from being hurt. Stop being a bystander and become a protector.We need to stop the rape culture. Start having respect for yourself and the women of the world. Be an outlook and advocate for those that need it. Stop letting it become normal and start taking a stand against it.We need to stop the suicides. Give a hand to absolutely everyone and anyone who needs it. Let people know that they are never alone and help is just a phone call away. Look out for the people of your life. We need to eliminate our selfishness. Put the good of others before yourself from time to time. Donate clothes, food, money, and time to those who truly need it. Stop letting money define you. Spend more time with your family, friends, and loved ones. There are many more things we need to do.
Ultimately, we need to change the world.
I ask that Generation Y starts becoming aware of the world they live in. Start realizing what is wrong and what needs to be changed. Good does exist but it is far from good enough. Thankfully, it is not too late. Today might be the day we talk, but tomorrow is the day we act. Start doing everything you possibly can to be better, to love more, and reach out to fellow human beings of this world.
Generation Y has the potential and power.
Generation Y is going to change the world.
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