Engaging with other cultures, languages and lifestyles has truly allowed me to grow as a human being and understand different perspectives. I have, hopefully, become more sensitive and compassionate towards other people's issues.
That is why when I hear anyone making unnecessary and rude comments, I can't help but feel sorry for the person saying them. To me, using phrases like, "You're so lame," "You're so wack" or "You're a loser" is so 2013. Such terms, filled with hatred, negativity and judgement, can only show ignorance and a serious lack of vocabulary.
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We are in a moment of change, and there is no room in our lives for anything but positivity and empowerment. In times when we are able to connect with people from all over the world, we can interact with anyone, even if they live in the most remote part of our planet. We are witnessing newer generations become entrepreneurs and creators before the age of 23. We are part of a movement that defends LGBT and women's rights, that stands up against inequality, poverty, racial and gender discrimination, and unfair distribution of resources.
Our generation is not about keeping quiet and sweeping things under the rug.
We believe in building communities that support one another, encourage each other and make it possible for anyone — regardless of disabilities, socio-economic background or educational level — to succeed. Our common denominator is to make a difference and leave behind a legacy of innovation and tolerance. So, you see: being negative and intolerant is just not on trend anymore. Judging people based on their lifestyle choices is just not where we want to go anymore.
It is no longer the kind of society we want to be.
The recent comments made by Dolce & Gabanna are a clear example of where we do not want to be. The two behind the fashion powerhouse spoke out publicly against IVF, gay marriage and surrogacy. To them, the traditional Italian family should be the only model.
"We oppose gay adoptions," they said. "The only family is the traditional one. No chemical offspring and rented uterus: life has a natural flow, there are things that should not be changed. You are born to a mother and a father — or, at least, that's how it should be. I call children of chemistry 'synthetic children.' Rented uterus, semen chosen from a catalogue."
Yes, everyone is entitled to their opinions, but as someone who lives and breathes fashion, I was anything, but impressed. In fact, I was really disappointed. The fashion and entertainment industry have been one of the first to fully support gay equality, so how could those who have been able to succeed, thanks to the support of that exact community, judge their choices so harshly?
I see in the young start-up companies that are working towards bringing potable water and Internet access to every corner of the planet.
What has really been interesting is seeing the backlash from celebrities and personalities that have notably been active backers of the Italian duo. The outrage comes from a place of pain and deception towards a group of creative minds who have always paved the way for young designers, regardless of their sexuality or ethnicity, to make their dreams a reality. Our generation is not about keeping quiet and sweeping things under the rug.
How do I know this? Because I see it every day.
I see in the young start-up companies that are working towards bringing potable water and Internet access to every corner of the planet. I see it on young people, like Emma Watson, who speak up about the importance of gender equality and ending stereotyping, even of men. I see it on the campaigns created via social media to support families that have gone through a difficult time — like 13-year-old Odin Camus — or to make a last wish come through for a child with cancer.
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I see goodness every day, and that is why I know that we are not stuck anymore in a time where bullying and degrading others is a sign of power. The real power and strength lies in lending a hand to others and helping them be the best version of themselves, so we, too, can learn to be the best version of ourselves.
Image by Dee Trillo
