It’s no secret that Generation Z is powerful, filled with teens and young adults who have unmatched energy and resistance. Not only that, but the majority of us have an uncontrollable urge to make things right and shed the light of justice in places that have been dark for far too long. 

Gen Z has a massive impact on modern politics, but how so? When it comes to politics, Gen-Z doesn’t play around. Gen-Z cares about politics because we are the most ethnically diverse generation(1). With the help of social media, we are one the most vocal generations to date. Due to our diverse group and prominent voices, we are able to influence the making and/or placement of legislation and policies that serve everyone, not just the white male individual in which this country was made to represent. Gen-Z like Elle van der Burg, Joshua Wong, Greta Thunberg and many more are trying to break stereotypes, change their countries and quite literally, save the planet. Although most of Gen-z rather be on tik-tok than deal with the problems dumped on us by past generations, we realize we do not have a choice, and it is up to us to protect our future.

              Certain policies affect Gen-Z and we’re trying to change them. It’s thought by older generations that Gen-Z is a severely sheltered generation that doesn’t know what they’re talking about; and while that can apply to some of us, most of Gen-Z has seen the world of politics for what it is, a pretty nasty place-if you’re a minority, you’ve experienced just how cold and neglectful politics can be. This is exactly what many believe to be our main motivation and inspiration to change the world for the better. We have seen first hand the way politics affect our health, our environment, our lives and the lives of people we love. We simply will not stand for it.

            The problems Gen-Z and some millennials are facing and why they need immediate solutions. There seems to be  so many problems in the world it’s hard to keep count of them all, but one thing we know for sure is that some problems are in need of immediate attention. According to a survey conducted by YPulse(2) on Gen Z and Millennials’ views on the country, 86% of 13-17-year-olds and 79% of 18-36-year-olds are worried about the future of the United States of America.  The data collected from this survey illustrates a clear image that a vast majority of gen z worries about the future of the United States. This survey asked these age groups to list  what they are most worried about. On this list, people stated concerns over climate change, debt, and hidebound politics. The most pressing issue pertained to politics.  87 percent of democrats believe climate change is caused by human activities. While Republicans are far more skeptical, with only 40 percent saying humans have caused climate change. As far as politics is concerned, there is an obvious division between the USA’s dominating two parties. This is an issue because we are not united, making it hard for anything to get done effectively. It’s gotten to the point where the best interest of the people is no longer a priority, but instead what is best for the leading representative party.  

                All in all, it’s safe to say that the state of the United states political climate is quite messy. Gen-Z was dealt a bad hand, and unfortunately it’s our job to resolve all these issues by advocating for the people that do have power to actually do something. At the end of the day, our intention for doing all this is to leave the world in a better condition than we found it and to create a safe and healthy world for everybody. And although politics is something that is “only for adults” we’d be surprised what Gen-Z can teach the world about caring about politics.

PHOTO: JESSICA KOURKOUNIS / GETTY IMAGES.