AOC

I'm not entirely sure the exact reason Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has become such a prominent and at the same time divisive figure, but I've got a couple theories. First is that I think the reason she's getting so much hate is because of her age. She is perceived as youthful, naïve, and overly confident and I believe that because of these traits many people in and outside of congress actually feel threatened by her, despite how much they might deny that. Secondly is the obvious, her self labelling as a "democratic socialist." Such a title garnered quite a bit of controversy when Bernie Sanders adopted it, and to see someone who has their whole political career ahead of them follow suit has given her detractors all the fuel they needed to run this incredibly powerful smear campaign. Thirdly, is that they perceive her as everything wrong with millennials. People see her as some reckless kid that's just trying to make waves and that doesn't sit well with them. Finally is the most obvious possibility behand all the hate; she's an easy target. She's an easy target for all of the above reasons and I think that people on the right side of the isle simply couldn't pass such an opportunity up. I've talked a lot about what other people think of her, but you're probably wondering what I personally think about AOC. Well, I think that she's a young charismatic character whose heart truly is in the right place, but I also think she's set herself up for the possibility of a very rocky political career. She may be blazing a trail, but now if she ends up making a lot of mistakes, she'll be known as the prime example that shouldn't be followed. I think that she's made her entire political career a gamble, but whether or not it will be worth it time will only tell. I like AOC, I really do. I think she's brave, but I also think that has the possibility of being her undoing. While I don't want to see that, I recognize that it's a very real possibility. A lot of people are asking the question of whether or not millennials are ready to enter the political arena, but given my understanding of linear time, they're going to be in politics more and more whether the establishment likes it or not. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is simply one of the soon to be many that are rushing out of the gate. I'm not sure if she realizes how pivotal her role will be in the future of the politics of the United States, but I really hope she does and will act accordingly. Love her or hate her, she's here and she's just the first of many. Us millennials are going to be taking over the reigns and AOC is just a sneak peak of what's to come. Whether or not that's a good thing only time will tell.