In this century, there are many of us who still believe the craziest theories about how life works.
Throwing some salt over our shoulder when we knock over the shaker and the idea the groom can’t see the bride’s dress before the wedding are just some examples of theories we still practice that don’t do much except make us seem crazy to the rest of the world.
But when these insane theories prevent us from taking a break when we need it, or keep our society from letting go of harmful, antiquated misconceptions, then it’s time for a much-needed reality check.
One example of a misguided state of mind is this generation’s inability to take a break when they’re sick.
The change in temperature signals the beginning of flu season, meaning countless college students will juggle their busy schedules, responsibilities and add a few pounds of used Kleenex to the mix.
In small classes, attendance is usually checked and professors go on about the importance of not missing a single class session. 
This forces college students to wipe their noses, get out of their beds and use the small amount of energy their illness didn’t take away to go to class and expose rooms filled with other, equally as stressed students to whatever disease the sick ones are carrying.
Students today believe if they take a break from their responsibilities to rest and get over their symptoms, they will set themselves up for academic                        failure.
Email someone in the class and ask for the notes you missed. Most assignments can be turned in electronically. Stay on top of your work as much as you can. Don’t let go of your responsibilities, but realize your health is more important.
Having an A in biology will serve no purpose if you’re too exhausted and sick to make it to graduation.
Let’s break the cycle folks — stay home. 
Ideas like these might only affect the individual more than the community, but some of these ideas prevent our society from becoming more accepting.
According to E! Online, Cartoon Network censored what would’ve been the network’s first kiss between a same-sex male couple.
Confirmed by a writer for the show “Clarence,” Spencer Rothbell, the network decided to change a couple who was originally intended to kiss on the mouth, with one of the characters holding flowers, to a kiss on the cheek and no flowers.
This may seem like a trivial change in the grand scheme of things, but the reality is these types of small changes are preventing our society from moving past the negative stigma given to the gay community.
Exposing yourself to gay culture is not going to make you or anyone around you gay.
However, programming that shows a more open and realistic society can change us for the better.
Your kids won’t become gay, but maybe they won’t feel the need to bully others who are.
If we all truly strive for a more inclusive society, then we can allow all versions of life to be accurately portrayed in the media.
Older generations have filled our heads with ideas of what we should do and how we should do it. But things are different now.
Technology allows us to be in more places at once, and society is slowly opening its arms to other cultures and social norms.
The sooner we come to terms with the fact that things are different now, the more likely we will able to live a comfortable and better life.
Jose Bastidas is a 21-year-old mass communication senior from Caracas, Venezuela. You can reach him on Twitter @jabastidas.