Love Letter to Gen Z
by Hope Yehl, Women Unite! intern
Dear Fellow Gen Z’ers,
Why has the world decided that we are something we’re not? The people who raised us and built the world we were raised in are now pointing their fingers at us and calling us entitled, overly sensitive, and lazy. Based on what evidence? What did we do to deserve these harsh judgements and labels? Did we spend too much time scrolling through social media in search of connection and community (on the phones you bought for us), seek help for our mental illnesses (that you decided to not talk about), and speak up about the injustices we witness and experience (instead of being complicit)? Just because our generation approaches life a little differently, does not mean that the way either of us live is inherently negative. I am here to acknowledge and celebrate the hope that Generation Z brings to this world.
Boomers claim that we are sensitive. We can’t handle the harsh reality of the adult world. They tell us to grow thicker skin, that life is tough, and that we sometimes just need to deal with it. I would argue that what many Boomers call being sensitive is what I would call being emotionally intelligent and empathic. Gen Z’ers are moving past mental health stigmas. Instead of suppressing our feelings and hiding any signs of mental illness at all costs, we are educating others and even celebrating neurodiversity. For example, on TikTok, there are countless viral videos and TikTokers who speak openly about their experiences of living with ADHD, Autism, and other mental disorders. Deconstructing this stigma is a major step in breaking down barriers to seeking mental health care and Gen Z’ers are at the center of this work. We are creating a culture of support and empathy.
Boomers say that we are lazy. This claim is simply wrong. During the past tumultuous year, Gen Z’ers really proved how capable they are of stepping up when there is a need. Social media became our main tool to inform, fundraise, and organize during a time when we were all stuck inside. After the death of George Floyd, Instagram feeds and Twitter timelines switched from happy friend-group photos and celebrity drama to constant news updates, infographics, and mutual aid requests. My humble, 80-person gender-inclusive honor fraternity hosted a donation drive in June that raised over $50,000 for multiple Black Lives Matter groups--all with a simple graphic. We have developed and mastered the skill of virtual fundraising and leverage that daily. Gen Z’ers across the country have also been at the center of organizing BLM protests. For example, Sydney Jackson, a student at UChicago, played a major role in organizing many of the BLM protests including the Chicago Peace and Equality Juneteenth Rally & Celebration. These protests and marches mobilized thousands of people. Would you call Sydney lazy?
Boomers say that we are entitled. To be fair, I can think of many Gen Z’ers who act like everything in this world was made for their taking, especially the seemingly ubiquitous wealthy white frat boys playing beer pong around every corner at university. However, Boomers seem to attach this label to any young person who speaks up for what they believe in, acknowledges something problematic, or demands change. When we bring up ideas about student debt forgiveness or making higher education more financially accessible, for example, older generations tend to view these thoughts as evidence that Gen Z’ers want to be handed everything without putting in any work. Boomers love to point out that life is tough and we should not expect anything to be handed to us. What they fail to acknowledge is that most of us already know this. Not only do we know this, but many of us have experienced this firsthand. Just because a life marked with challenges and hardship is the reality for most people, does not mean we should stop fighting for justice when necessary. Gen Z'ers step up when they notice something that needs to be changed, instead of staying complacent.
Again, my fellow Gen Z’ers, I want to say that I see you. I see the Gen Z’ers who are courageously vulnerable and breaking down the stigmas surrounding mental illness. I see the Gen Z’ers who are empathetic, persistent, and powerful change-makers. I see the Gen Z’ers who have the drive, passion, and grit to bring positive change to this world. Don’t let the prejudiced opinions of the generations before us hold us back from standing up for what is right.
