Address to Conservative Teens
By Ambrose Tabb
I have been fighting with myself for a while with an issue that I have recently discovered. The demographic of our future leaders. Having been steered in the way of the liberal, discovering a conservative teenager has suddenly created a stand still in my personal development. It makes me wonder what kind of parents a person had that would produce a child who is so stuck in such unjust beliefs. Not only does this demographic of person exist, but the worst part of the matter is that there is a greater chance that these people will be the future political leaders! Reinforcing the idea that Miss. is behind the progressive world curve.
I hate to have to see my state as a place where closed minded individuals rule the land, now and for times to come, but I feel sometimes that its my fault. I would consider myself progressive, but I do not have the drive to run for political office. I don't see myself being happy as a mayor or a governor of Miss. Does it make me selfish to not want to put the good of the state over my own personal development?
And to mention personal development ties the college dilemma in as well. I have for as far back as I can remember, wanted to go to college out of state. I feel like Miss. has wonderful things to offer, but not to someone who has been here all his life. I NEED TO GET OUT! I have to go. I feel like I cannot develop as a full person until I am out, on my own, away from my family, my high school friends, and the idea that everyone should conform to societal norms.
The conservative teen, though, feels the need to stay within the state. They are satisfied with our current stance and feel the need to move us even deeper into the darkness, that is nonprogressive Miss., making those of us who leave seem to be traders or abandoners of the state.
For someone who has lived teenage life outside of this oppressive place, it would be a wonderful thing to come here and feel the warm hearts of the people, the together vibe of the community, and the culture of the states. But I have felt these things all my life, and I must step away from them to be able to appreciate them for what they are. But I digress.
The development of the conservative teen is, to me, even more astonishing than the liberal teen. It baffles me to think that someone can exist in the beliefs of three generations ago, but have been born in my very own generation! To believe that a gay couple should not be able to adopt a child. To believe that it's okay to have laws that oppress teenagers without proper justification.To think that your personal identity is something to be ashamed of, something to be shunned, and pushed to the back of your mind, to be stowed away only to be retrieved when "the urge" is there. To believe that the law is what it is, and that it's a waste of time to try to change it. WHERE DOES THIS KIND OF PERSON COME FROM!?
It will always be a mystery to me, the diversity of the world. But because of the nature of my existence, I cannot judge or try to change a people. It is their right to believe in the things that they believe in. Though their beliefs may seem immoral, unjust, unjustifiable, illreasonable, and just plain wrong, I must find the strength within myself to respect this population. Because, I would expect the same respect from them.
Conservative teens of Mississippi, I thank you for your existence and your willingness to stand for what you believe. I may never understand your stance on life, but I understand the influence of true passion. Strive for your dreams and exist as you please...
Thank you...
