This country was founded on the principle of hard work, the opportunity to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for every citizen, and the will of good American citizens hoping to make America the best it could possibly be. Throughout America’s history, which includes violence and struggles inside the government and society itself, American citizens have often realized their issues and risen to the occasion; whether it be a nationwide call for war or a simple community issue. People used to take pride in being an American citizen and realized how lucky they were to be living in this great nation. People used to be intelligent, wise, proud to be an American, and used to live up to the high American standard viewed by other countries. Sadly, that is no longer the case today.
At this time in the world, an increasing number of American citizens seem no longer proud to live in the United States. These citizens do not care what happens in society, what happens in government, or what happens to this great country’s future. They have disgraced the term American citizen, a word once held in high respect by other nations and countries. The majority (or so it seems) of Americans have lost their ingenuity, rebellious spirit, and independence we were once known for. Citizens today would rather do absolutely nothing to contribute to society as hard working Americans than take the time and initiative to be involved in and contribute to this country’s future and well-being. Instead of seeing what you can do for your country, it seems as though they prefer the “what can your country do to you?”
This rapid decline in the humanity of American citizens may be a direct result from them trying to ignore reality. People in today’s society may try and ignore events that seem trivial or not worth their time. This makes them ignorant and petty. For example, they may try and ignore or not care about who is running for our country’s next president and what their values are. They may either completely ignore it and pay absolutely no attention to what happens or they may support a cause they have not even the slightest clue about. They may advocate for a candidate that only seems “cool” or campaigns “for the people” solely for the fact they are too lazy to look up information or read a history book.
This brings us back to the fact that you can ignore reality, but you cannot ignore the consequences of ignoring reality. What will these citizens do when someone unfit for presidency comes into power and destroys this nation? What will they do when it affects their family, friends, and themselves? Ignoring reality is a set up for failure. Trying to not care or pay attention to events that WILL affect them makes them a disgrace to the title of an American citizen. The consequences of ignoring reality WILL come around sooner or later and hurt them, those they love, and this country, whom they should have thought about before dooming its citizens and foundation.
Miss Caitlyn Deam is a ninth grade student at Wider Horizons School in Spring Hill.