Should Adults Listen to Their Younger Generations?

By Naomi Ezra, senior

Adults have a tendency to shut down teenagers when it comes to politics. From gun control to abortion, they think we don’t have a place to be speaking on these impacting problems in our society. I can’t speak for every child and parent, but from my experience, it’s hard to amplify your opinions when no one is hearing you.

Being born to two parents from Africa was the best. From culture to values to food, they shaped into the best person I could be. I am stubborn in my ways, but so is my Dad. Coming from Africa he was taught very conservative ideology, whether it comes to sexuality, gender, or religion. So, being a very open minded person, it’s always hard for me to understand why he never listens to me when I talk about what I’m passionate about, which is equality. Everyone should not only be equal within their human rights, but also be compensated for their ancestors hard past for the fight of freedom.

I continuously am never able to come to the conclusion of why, out of everyone, the people of my generation are excluded from these conversations. The laws changing now are the ones that will be affecting us. Our voices are not only important, but super essential so that laws can be passed that help us, not destroy our future. We are the future leaders, legislators, presidents, doctors, lawyers and teachers that will shape our nation into what we want. We have the tools to change the world, so it’s time we are included in the conversations that will make or break our futures. Whether it’s social media platforms or innovative ways of communication, younger generations are taking the reins and really becoming an important part of our world.

Talking to my dad and trying understand his point of view actually made him see mine. We now have open conversations where we understand each other’s perspective and are constantly learning from each other, instead of being stubborn to the point where you’ll only accept your opinion and no one else’s, which makes it so no one has a voice. Everyone has different opinions and we have to start understanding that while continuing to spread our messages. When generations come together and try to understand each other’s standpoint, it makes for an environment of acceptance where people can really learn from one another and become united in many different ways.