How Charlie Kirk’s Legacy is Splitting Our Generation: The Impact of His Death

“Charlie Kirk was our champion,” said one of my football teammates. He wasn’t the only one expressing anger over recent events. Many voiced their frustration, but instead of focusing their ire on a single act of violence, they cast blame on everyone with opposing views. This tendency to judge an entire group for the actions of one person is harmful and deepens our divides.

In the early 2020s, Charlie Kirk became a prominent figure, shaping how my generation viewed politics. For many young conservatives, he wasn’t just influential; he was a pivotal icon. His approach emphasized confrontation and cultural rebellion, especially the phrase “owning the libs.” While invigorating for some, this mindset often fueled hostility instead of constructive dialogue.

My experiences at a conservative all-boys high school in Chicago and now at a right-leaning college underscore this dynamic. I learned early on to keep my differing opinions about politics to myself. I first heard of Kirk in middle school, but by high school, his fame skyrocketed, especially after a viral debate that showcased his bold style. Suddenly, everyone around me was talking about him.

Being in a conservative environment highlighted a worrying trend. Instead of engaging in healthy debate, some teammates expressed they’d never even met a Democrat. The comments, like “those Democrats hate our country,” indicated a growing rift and a lack of empathy. When you see someone as an enemy, it’s easy to overlook their humanity.

At my school, Kirk was a rock star. Many embraced him wholeheartedly, drawing inspiration from his fiery rhetoric and rallies. They loved sharing clips of him taking on “woke liberals,” believing he was unbeatable in debate.

Though other conservative voices, like Ben Shapiro, have their followers, Kirk’s excitement was unique. He motivated his supporters to actively engage in politics, turning discussions into participatory social events. For many, being a supporter felt like being part of a larger movement, giving them the confidence to express their views loudly.

Remaining quiet amidst this fervor has been challenging for me. Following Kirk’s death, tensions escalated. Many didn’t grasp that he often engaged with those who disagreed with him. Instead, they seemed more driven to criticize than to build bridges.

As a football player, I’ve experienced the strength of teamwork. Yet today, my generation feels split into opposing sides. It feels personal, with debates becoming contests rather than discussions aimed at understanding. There’s little room for empathy or growth.

The weight of Kirk’s passing lingered during practice. My friends mourned a figure they revered. They rewatched his speeches, as if his spirit could rally them once more. While I also mourn his loss, I fear it represents lost opportunities for unity. If Gen Z truly wants change, we’ll need to learn to disagree without hatred. Otherwise, tragedies like this may become a norm.

Watching my friends react has been sobering. For many, Kirk’s death could serve as a rallying point, fueled by the very divisiveness he thrived on. Instead of fostering dialogue, it may deepen existing divides.

Political clashes have been evident throughout my schooling. These disputes often led to personal attacks, and the situation worsened in college. When passion intertwines with us-versus-them thinking, even minor disagreements can deepen resentments. Our beliefs shouldn’t define our identities; otherwise, the gap between us will only expand.

But I still hold onto hope. Through football, I’ve seen rivalries dissolve when people come together for a shared purpose. If my generation can approach recent events with a fresh perspective, we might turn this tragedy into a chance for growth. We could demonstrate that it’s possible to resolve differences peacefully. True dialogue and understanding must come first.

Eli Thompson is a college freshman. His work has appeared in The Wall Street Journal and USA Today, and he has been featured on NBC Chicago, WGN, and SiriusXM Patriot.

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