#heycoutvrious

The whole of my generation is being forced down a paved road at gunpoint as we frantically look around for a route of escape and are met only with “hazardous” signs at every less worn path. “Don’t you want to be a productive member of society?” The gunman asks. “Don’t you want to follow in your parents’ footsteps? Follow the path of social injustice and prejudice? Of sexism and classism? Of war and oppression?” We stare uncertainly at the gunman. We were brought up on a world of these values. Half of my generation nods, blindly - unaware. The other half shifts uncomfortably. A few of us shake our heads. A few less mutter, “no.” “What do you know? You’re a bunch of kids.” The gunman says, pointing the gun more vigorously and more directly. “You hold the future in your hands. You have to start being responsible and make decisions. You aren’t children anymore.” We glance around at each other, confused. “You need to make the world a better place.” The gunman says. “Bringing down the hierarchy?” Bang! “Getting rid of white supremacy?” Bang! “Reconstructing the justice system?” Bang! “Eliminating sexism and gender inequalities?” Bang! “Help improve government technology so they can more effectively monitor their people?” “Follow him.” The gunman says and we do.

It hits me when I least expect my mind fills quickly with regret when driving on the road ahead or when quietly I lie in bed and all the things I cannot be and all those things I will not see ring in my head impatiently because someday I will cease to be.