I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how Boomers bullied Gen X into the political apathy of the nineties, and how it allowed them stack the deck in their favor for a generation.
Boomers called Xers lazy, spoiled, and selfish while pushing this myth of the American taxpayer. “I’m a tax-payer,” they sneered, like some stereotypical 1950s husband acting like they’re the head of America’s household because they bring home the paycheck.
In 1972, half of 18-24 year-olds voted. By 1996, it was 32%.
For the 1994 midterms, it was less than 20%.
This idea that a higher income, and subsequently paying more taxes, gives you more right or responsibility to be involved in politics is offensive. And dangerous af.
For the 1994 midterms, it was less than 20%.
This idea that a higher income, and subsequently paying more taxes, gives you more right or responsibility to be involved in politics is offensive. And dangerous af.
Young people belong in politics. Unemployed people belong in politics. Disabled people belong in politics.
Income shouldn’t determine a person’s value to society, or their right to self-determination.
Income shouldn’t determine a person’s value to society, or their right to self-determination.
Not only because it’s morally wrong, but also because unpaid/low-paid work keeps America’s running.
Like a stereotypical 1950’s housewife, these non-taxpayers are keeping the house clean, and raising the kids, and making your sandwiches.
Like a stereotypical 1950’s housewife, these non-taxpayers are keeping the house clean, and raising the kids, and making your sandwiches.
For a generation, young people were mocked and sneered at for caring about anything outside themselves, then criticized for being too damn selfish.
It’s no wonder they stopped voting, and no surprise that their abusers didn’t legislate with their interests in mind.
It’s no wonder they stopped voting, and no surprise that their abusers didn’t legislate with their interests in mind.
We don’t need young people to take over, because we have no intention of walking away from the seat at the table that so many people tried to convince us we haven’t earned.
And we sure as hell are gonna pull out the chair for the kids behind us. You’ve earned it by simply being.
And we sure as hell are gonna pull out the chair for the kids behind us. You’ve earned it by simply being.
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
Turns out democracy is all about participation trophies.
Turns out democracy is all about participation trophies.
RIP my mentions
But seriously, if this is your first or second election, don’t let anyone convince you that your vote doesn’t matter, or that you don’t know enough to have a say, or not to worry because the grownups are in charge.
It does not end well.
It does not end well.
If you’re personally offended by my characterization of broad generational trends, please know that I still like you personally, but as a Millen-Xer I am too lazy to care.
