1. You are young, so you don't know what you are talking about. It is so frustrating when people completely dismiss our ideas and opinions because we are teenagers. Especially because we research the things that we are interested in or think are important (environmentalism, nutrition, politics...) very heavily, and a lot of the time the adult talking to us knows far less than we do!
2. Healthy eating ruins all the fun. I have been told this a few times very recently, and it is just not true! I find foods like fresh fruit smoothies, homemade sweet potato curry, crunchy raw bell peppers, and quality raspberry chocolate so much more delicious than completely process fake foods like Gushers candy and hotdogs (which we also oppose because of ethical reasons, of course).
3. You are too idealistic. So we should give up trying to do good things? Tell that the people who ended slavery, got women the right to vote, banned DDT, and legalized gay marriage.
4. Vegetarianism/veganism is not healthy. I never know if I should laugh or cry when I hear this. Not healthy? Oh, I guess that lower rates of cancer, obesity, heart attack, heart disease, vitamin deficiencies, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and many more health problems don't count as "healthy" then. Too bad, because we are not changing!
5. Politics are too boring and confusing to care about. I don't need to bother understanding them. No they are not, and yes you do! The strange thing about my generation (and maybe others as well) is that it seems as if we are split into two groups: those who are extremely passionate about politics, world events, human rights, etc... and those who do not care at all. It not only saddens, but scares me.
6. Dousing things in bleach and other harsh chemicals is the only way to make them clean. Sorry, but no. Chemicals are extremely harmful to human and environmental health, so that "clean" doorknob is actually a health hazard.
7. Liberal values are immoral. We happen to think that equal rights, taking care of those who need help, respecting and celebrating a diversity of religious beliefs (and not letting any dictate the law), practicing non-violence, teaching comprehensive sex education, not letting corrupt industries and companies control our lives, and protecting our (one and only!) planet are all very moral and completely crucial values.
8. It's just a phase, you will grow out of it. Ha! Don't hold your breath.
Join in the fun by creating your own list! If you don't have a blog, just write your list as a comment. If you do have a blog (or Facebook even) post a link. Don't forget to link back to the original post here to share with everyone else.
