The DNC from the Perspective of Gen Z: Part 1
As most of my readers know, I live in the beautiful community that is Chicago. I’ve always loved Chicago; the bustling breezy summer and the welcoming aura of everyone you encounter brings me so much joy. This year, Chicago has the honor of hosting one of the most historic Democratic National Conventions yet. And at the formative age of 17, my peers and I are so lucky we get to participate in history.
When CPS announced school would be pushed back due to possible protests and overwhelming traffic/street closures, I was overjoyed. Another week of summer break! But now I’m overjoyed for a different reason; I have the time to watch the DNC and participate in it, as well.
On Sunday night, my family and I attended an AAPI kick-off event, at which countless stalls lined the borders of the room and music echoed through the halls. It was organized to bring members of the AAPI community together and celebrate our culture as the DNC was about to begin. I watched my community and service oriented dad get stopped in the middle of the hallway countless times by individuals who wanted to work or collaborate with him. All I wanted was some bubble tea. But as I was walking around with my dad, he told me: “One day, people will be stopping you wherever you go because your name will be known throughout your community.” That night, the fire inside me began to roar even louder.
Monday, August 19th. The official start to the DNC. I spent my day studying for the SAT (cue the anxiety) but I was distracted with the anticipation of the night to come. My family RSVP’d for a DNC watch party and reception organized by APIA Vote (Asian Pacific Islander Americans Vote). As we checked in, tables with merch and red, white, and blue cupcakes lined the hallway. We bought the CUTEST shirts. One said: “We vote NAANstop” and had a picture of a little garlic naan saying “I voted.” Another said, “Don’t be CHAI, ask me about voting” with a little chai character smiling. One of my favorites said: “Vote PHO our future” with an adorable pho character.
After we bought a little too much merch, we walked into the event room. Immediately, my dad was approached by lawyers, judges, policymakers, and others he knew. This time, I used it as an opportunity to talk to the people I want to emulate. The night was filled with conversations about my aspirations and current political/societal endeavors. These individuals I looked up to knew that we, Gen Z, are the future. Our potential must be recognized and fostered in order for a better America. After cheering for AOC, Hillary Clinton, and Joe Biden, an uber took us home. I crashed as soon as we got home; it truly is exhausting trying to get your name out there and learn about others. After a good night’s sleep, I knew I would be ready to take on another day.
Tuesday, August 20th. The second day of the DNC. Unfortunately, my day was filled with doctors appointments, work, and meetings. We stayed home to watch the speeches on our TV. Seeing instagram stories of my friends who watched the speeches from seats in United Center gave me A LOT of fomo. But I was far from disappointed. I was proud. My peers, some who can’t even vote yet, want to be part of history. We want to witness and participate in politics because we know that our voices MATTER.
Watching Michelle Obama and Barack Obama’s speeches was nothing short of inspiring. They told us to have hope. They told us “to do something”. They were role models; instead of tearing down and bullying the other party, they diplomatically expressed who has morals and who will protect our country. They told us the future is in our hands. They mentioned the memes and the protests and the tik toks Gen Z has created. They looked us in the eyes and urged us to “do something.” That’s our job. We are the future. We are watching history but we’re also part of history. Our kids are going to ask us about the first South Asian president. Our kids are going to ask us about the first Black woman president.
After Barack Obama mentioned Donald Trump’s plans if he were elected, the crowd booed. But he said: “Don’t boo. Vote.” And while some of us are a few months or years short of voting, we still have a voice. To the Gen Z who can vote this year: please vote. Let your voice be heard. And to the Gen Z who can’t vote: keep talking to your family and friends, make phone calls, knock on doors, share and read articles such as this one. Let your voice be heard.
As I publish this, day 3 of the DNC begins. And after you read this, remember our voices are being heard and they will continue to echo through the country as long as we keep shouting. So use this week; shout as much as you can. Don’t lower your volume for anyone. Represent our generation. Keep using your voice so your peers and siblings and friends can grow up in a better America. If I have learned anything from the first few days of the DNC, it’s that Gen Z is going to fix our country. We have that burning passion. We have dreams and aspirations and hope. We have what it takes to truly improve the country for ourselves and the future.