The Coconut Tree
Well, the past two weeks have been nothing short of extraordinary. It’s as if America just fell out of a coconut tree. What coconut tree? The one representing politics run by old white men—some felons, others perhaps better suited for a senior home.
When President Biden dropped out of the race, I was working in a cafe with my dad and sister. Fox News was the first station to report it. Are we surprised? We all looked at each other, genuinely shocked. What’s next? Biden was the most reliable candidate; he’s the incumbent and the most experienced (perhaps too experienced). Many doubted his ability to run the country and lead Democrats to victory. Personally, I was frustrated that the best option was an old white man representing less than 10% of America’s population. Yes, he seems like a genuinely sweet person. But I’d want him as my grandpa, not my president.
This election will shape my future. It will shape my sister’s future.The future of my friends and peers are in the hands of this election. Young people are the most important yet ignored demographic in politics. Mobilizing young voters is difficult. But it is possible. The key: listening to what we have to say. When Biden dropped out, young voters began finding their voice. They started caring about the election.
I can’t open any social media platform without seeing edits of Vice President Kamala Harris, a love story involving Trump and Biden, election memes, or clips of countless rallies. Young voters are excited. Harris’s campaign is targeting young voters. She is acknowledging our significance. She is addressing topics important to us.
For once, we are being heard. The Gen Z-run account KamalaHQ has over 2 million followers. Harris has said countless times, “I love Gen Z.” Her personality may be the spark Gen Z has been looking for.
Unfortunately, I’m a few months too young to vote in this election. It genuinely saddens me that I can’t vote in one of the most historically significant elections for America. This election is huge. We could vote a South Asian and Black woman into office and prevent democracy from collapsing under Trump’s regime.
There is adrenaline coursing through the veins of this young generation. This year, we feel eagerness and exhilaration instead of dread and doubt. I think I can speak for many of us when I say: thank you to Kamala Harris for lighting a fire under this generation. Thank you for listening to us. And thank you for the countless coconut tree songs, laughter soundtracks, and fierce edits you’ve brought to us. Gen Z has been ready, but now, the country is ready for Gen Z.