Generation of Hope or Hate?

ANA SOFIA GIRARDOT | MAY 23, 2021 | OPINIONS

From the iPhone to artificial intelligence, innovation has been the core of what is undeniably the 21st century. Although creations like the internet are a defining factor of modern ingenuity, the real changes have occurred in social activism, with developments in human rights that were once denied for centuries.  

These incredible feats have been put in motion by a new generation of individuals, Generation Z, who passionately defend and advocate for social justice and equality. What separates them from the Baby Boomers of the 1960s and Generation X is their unwavering ambition to always seek progress, marking them as a strong force against oppressive entities. When faced with obstacles to their goals, such as politicians or laws, their tenacious and landmark protests demonstrate the power of Gen Z unity. The 2018 March for Our Lives rally in Washington D.C., which was a student-led protest after the 2018 Shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, had an estimated 200,000 to 800,000 participants and made headlines for being one of the largest demonstrations by teens since the Vietnam War protests. Not only did it raise awareness about the need for gun control, but it also led to passing of gun-safety bills across the nation after increased pressure on politicians to act against gun violence. Movements like these, created and demonstrated by individuals of Gen Z, continue to make real impacts as this young generation continues to grow and mark their stance of change. 

But even with the powerful vigor and pursuit of Generation Z, remnants of hateful beliefs still linger like a plague, threatening Gen Z’s unity with despicable actions. Stemming from the old ideologies of their parents and ancestors, a vocal subset of Gen Z continues the legacy of subtle but accepted bigotry in all forms. As the main proponents of social and political regression, their hateful acts like crude jokes and bullying dehumanizes marginalized people and justifies the revocation of rights ranging from freedom of religion to gender equality. Some examples include the usage of racial stereotypes or slurs, such as jokes ridiculing East Asiansor the blatant usage of racial epithets to attack African Americans. Because of their intimidation and lack of punishment by authorities, these individuals not only continue to use derogatory words and harassment but normalize its usage within safe and civil environments like schools.  

Yet even with their proclamation of racial slurs against minorities, most students allow it by turning a blind eye because they fear being bullied for reporting any hate crimes, which further enables the growth of inequality. As a Stanton student, freshman Cheyenne Carr has been accustomed to this reality ever since she was a child and witnessed it as she grew up.  

‘’I remember in kindergarten I got a bug bite that was turning red, and the kids said that I was too dark for my skin to turn red,’’ said Carr.

These ignorant remarks were the first semblances of unchecked and normalized racism she would experience as an African American. Even in a society with the first African American president and decades after the accomplishments of the Civil Rights movement, the racist ideals of racial superiority persisted in quiet assimilation through a new generation of Americans. Expectations on how to dress, speak, and act would further be detailed as the years passed and students like those from her kindergarten class told Carr to “stop acting ghetto.’’ Stereotypes like these were ingrained into the head of children, evolving into genuine beliefs and now producing the bigoted individuals of Gen Z who remain to be held accountable.  

Even with these threats to the endeavors made by millions of young and old activists, promoted by the perpetuation of ignorant and harmful ideas, those of Gen Z who wish to eradicate these beliefs should not give up yet. As the next wave of individuals prepare to take charge and lead the world, it is essential that the ignorance of the past is forgotten and instead replaced with secure foundations of equality for the future. No longer can we stand and allow people or groups of our generation to destroy the progression so painstakingly created. A strong stance, both by Gen Z and those who are currently authorities, must be made if bigotry in all its forms is to be quelled and hopefully perished. This means discouraging and holding accountable those who encourage the usage of ignorant language and ideas through civil manners. If we, as a generation of unity in cause and belief, are to truly be the driving force of change, then we must start taking action now against those who promote hate in all forms.