As an empath, I can admit that I am acutely aware of the energy that those surrounding me put out into the world. If you’re like me – and, quite honestly, even if you’re not an empath – you have most likely felt overwhelmed by the world’s upheaval during this past year. As the 2020 election quickly approaches, we are faced with arguably the most pressing question of the year so far: how much do we truly care about others?
In the past, being apathetic and aloof could be seen as “mysterious” or “cool.” Think of it in terms of pre-pandemic dating – the person that cares too much in the relationship has been seen as being “too much.” Nobody has wanted to be the one to make the first move out of fear of rejection. Nobody has wanted to “get political” in fear of causing controversy and facing a disagreement. In recent years, this may have shunned a lot of people to silence when they really wanted to speak out and be vulnerable.
This year is different.
As challenging as 2020 has been for everyone, I believe that one positive has emerged from the madness: many people have opened their hearts and changed their perspectives on what is deemed as right and just in our society. Young people who previously had little interest in politics have set aside time to educate themselves so they can make an informed decision for this election. In fact, a recent study by the Center for American Progress, an independent, nonpartisan policy institute, shows that Gen Z and Millennial voters are set to dominate the future electorate. We are realizing that caring is not just cool, but more importantly, that it’s essential.
Although some progress has been made, we still have a long way to go. I write this article to challenge the people that may be on the cusp of caring but are still apprehensive about standing up for what is right. Your time is now. There are so many reasons to continue with the way things have always been: whether you always vote for a certain party no matter what, or you don’t believe your life will change much regardless of this election’s outcome, or you are not in favor of either candidate as a person. But there is only one reason to change the paradigm – and that is for the sake of everyone and not just yourself.
The 2020 election is monumental because it is a true test of empathy and compassion. Your party can wait. Your personal opinions can take the back burner. The 2024 election is going to be a new opportunity and a different situation. But, right here, and right now, we must do what is right. We must vote in support of marginalized and vulnerable groups that need to have their voices heard. We must look out for our friends, our families, or colleagues, and, most importantly, people that we don’t know personally. Our vote determines whether we will maintain a vitriolic and hateful society or merge towards one that is filled with tolerance, empathy, and equal opportunity for all – regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic status, or age.
As the election approaches, I challenge you to think about America as a whole. How you filling out your ballot will affect the lives of so many valuable people that are not appropriately represented at this point in time. This is your chance to change the world. There may be no perfect candidate or quick-fix, but your vote determines whether we will take a step in the right direction or remain stagnant. When you look back at your life and examine how your actions affected the world, I hope that you can look back with reassurance that you did everything you could do to make the world a more tolerant and supportive place for everyone. You have the power, and you can make change possible.
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