Apolitical Millennial
Sorry, I am apolitical!
Boomers have always been blamed for their inclination towards conservatism. They are considered to be climate sceptical, homophobic - champions of gender inequality (yeah! you read it right), racist, transmitting trauma across generations and what not. But what exactly are millennials doing at this point in history when the world is smashing into bits? Yes, right they are dissatisfied with the way democracy is working according to the data, but are they doing anything to counter it?
Sure, I believe they are, by many being referring to themselves as apolitical.
As a woman I see my circle being more fixated on dramas and entertainment, instead of this whole “world is falling apart” narrative, in fact the very first time I came across the word “apolitical” was through a peer who wasn’t interested in discussing how the policy decisions are impacting the everyday lives of a common person. Good for our mental health, right? But is being apolitical really a way forward to ignore the crisis this world is going through right now? I believe many are of the stance that if it doesn’t affect me, it isn’t my problem. But the problem with this mindset is giving up the power which comes with making an impact through cohesive and stronger voices.
Oh, politics is boring- they say.
Nope, honey, politicians are. The fake promises of Trump and Kamala are boring. The fake promises to bring peace to this world is boring too. But this boredom can be overcome through by not being apolitical when you belong to such a powerful generation, whose voice can make a huge difference. Apolitical at this point in time means not being concerned about 40000 humans being slaughtered in Gaza, apolitical means not being concerned about wildfires, flooding, the earth’s temperature increase, apolitical means not being concerned about our children going through identity crisis and above all apolitical means not being concerned about our everyday living expenses.
Ooops!! Now I believe no one is apolitical, because bread and butter are affecting everyone and this is the sad reality that action will only be taken, if the problem knocks your door.
Millennials- a generation which is holding on to the customs and traditions of the older generation and juggling to keep pace with the technological knowledge of the upcoming generations needs to be politically aware, because the strength of millennials to make an impact is unmatchable to any of the generations. Being apolitical means consciously remaining a misinformed person, not exercising your right to lighten the burden of this world.
You want your grocery bill to reduce- Speak!
You want quality education- Speak!
You want to exercise your right to dignity and freedom- Speak!
Being apolitical means remaining silent which equates to being at the side of the oppressor. Is this an option? Choice is your apolitical millennial!
*This wasn't supposed to be the topic of my first article, but I believe a lot of apolitical millennials in my circle gave me direction to start from this one. :)
My topics are related to everyday issues that I, as a millennial, encounter and wish to share every week with the wider audience as an opinion piece for the greater good. If you like my work, consider supporting by subscribing.
As a mental health professional that gets to interact with people hailing from different generations daily, I see certain patterns --- a sense of lost potiential alongside the paradoxical nostalgia of "Good ole days" in both Boomers and Gen-X , which contrasts heavily with Gen-Z and Gen-Alpha's disdain for all that preceded them, as they hold on their sense of self-importance assuming their voices will shift the world's future (It has to, right? It's that or abyss). Millennials however are frozen at best --- torn between the world they thought they knew vs the one they are beginning to see -- holding their breath as everything falls away -- with all other generations look towards them to "Fix" it all. So I often ask if millennials being apolitical is their way of coping with the fallen veil and crumpled dreams. It wasn't so long ago that we had convictions of self-importance too. We also thought we could create the change we dreamt up! It's scary how fast that changed. One thing's for certain though --- this world and our existence, both are political and the only way to exist fully is to acknowledge it out loud and have your presense known. The tug-of-war between human spirit and all the structures meant to subdue it will never end but we can certainly make them as uncomfortable as they are making us 🤷🏻♀️ For starters, at least!
Keep up the good work