“Literally Can’t Even Right Now”
BY CLAIRISSA MYATT
Staff Writer
“I literally can’t even,” is a phrase many girls have most likely said at one point in their lives. We’re all guilty of it, saying that we cannot do something despite the fact that we more than likely “literally” can. The power the media has over society is impeccable. New hash tags and phrases change, it seems, everyday and social media is the biggest way it is spread. Like fashion, new slogans come in trends. Last year the term “YOLO” spread like wild fire while this fall “#basic” has been all over media outlets such as Twitter and Instagram. While that all may be used as fun and games, they are simply examples of the power the media has. It cannot all be blamed on media however, the truth of the matter is, we as a society have a lot to do with it as well. It seems as though whenever something dramatic, funny or negative happens, the term “I can’t even” slips out of someone’s mouth, predominantly female. All of these phrases lead into what is known as a “catch-22” because as soon as “I literally can’t even” or “YOLO” is said, you turn into a “#basic.” See the vicious circle? So here is a thought: why not break the circle by having more “I cans” in this world? Recently, iPulse has published things about the International Day of the Girl Child. The point is this: we are what is referred to as Generation Y, which means we have all the power. Since the beginning of time, women have been put down with “cant’s” on a daily basis. Voting, war, sports – the list can go on forever it seems like. Finally, we have reached a year and decade where it seems women are taking over and being given more and more freedom for equal opportunity.
However, the only thing standing in the way is ourselves. It is time to stop saying “I can’t” and embrace the “can.” Stop calling oneself basic because in reality, we are all uniquely and individually made. There is nothing basic about us, and surely, there is nothing we cannot do. As the youth of today’s generation, the power is in ones hand to control the media and what gets put out and what starts trending. Create a new trend, spread the positivity and be the cans in the world.
