By Amelia Alexander
One of the characteristics that other generations use to describe Gen Z is “soft.”  Maybe that’s true.

I do believe that we are more sensitive than other generations. Our generation wants to set boundaries. Many members of Generation Z want to create an environment where people of all gender identities, sexual orientations, religions, and races feel safe.  We live in a free country. As a patriot, I believe that we need to respect people’s individual liberties that do not harm others.

Some words that older generations grew up hearing are now deemed “offensive.” I understand how frustrating it can be to be told that you are being rude when your intentions are harmless.

I think the best course of action is to kindly correct people when they say something offensive. I like to give people the benefit of the doubt and assume that they mean well.

The best response to accidentally saying something offensive is to simply correct yourself and move on. Intentions do matter, and when effort is put forth to be kind, people should appreciate it. I know that I would want to be corrected if I inadvertently were to hurt someone.

Being kind and decent to others is basic respect.  I hope humanity is beyond fearing every single thing that they don’t understand. We are so blessed to live in a free country. I take pride in my individual liberties. I would never want to tear someone down for harmlessly being different than me.

In conclusion, yes, my generation is soft.

I take pride in the kindness that many members of my generation display. I take pride in the respect for others regardless of harmless differences that my generation displays.  

I appreciate members of older generations who make efforts to listen to us. I appreciate members of older generations who are willing to learn and change for the better.

To think for oneself and to have an open mind is how we progress. Unity among different people and different generations is what makes America great. This is what makes America free: respecting existence of people who are different.

I hope that Americans, the people of Ada, and ideally everyone on the planet can unite behind kindness and love.

In future articles, I would love to discuss slurs and hate symbols. We have the freedom of speech. You can say anything you want, but decent people don’t abuse this.

Decent people want to speak with integrity and respect. I have faith in our decency, and I hope to help people learn about why some things are considered “offensive.”

Amelia Alexander, an Ada HS student, is the Icon's newest columnist. Her focus is writing about her generation. You will find all her columns on our "Columnists" page.