An Ode to Gen Z

"The future of the world belongs to the youth of the world, and it is from the youth and not from the old that the fire of life will warm and enlighten the world. It is your privilege to breathe the breath of life into the dry bones of many around you." - Tom Mann

Protesting against Climate Change; Image Source: Unsplash/Callum Shaw

Sanya had just come back from school, thoroughly exhausted and burnt out over the overdose of the 12th class syllabus she is required to study for her upcoming board exams. Day in and day out, teachers consecutively keep entering her classroom, without giving a break of two minutes between each class. From the burden of completing practical files to attending back to back tuitions, the days were getting longer yet there seemed to be absolutely no time for her to even think about herself.

On top of the unbearable academic stress, Sanya also had to figure out how to apply to good colleges. There was so much to do and she was doing so much already, but whenever she entered home the adults surrounding her would complain of their problems. Today, while removing her shoes, she heard her father grumbling about his office work. Jumping into the conversation, Sanya began ranting about her burden as well, but before she could even get a sentence out, her parents dismissed her valid concerns about her stress.

“You’re too young, you have barely seen the world. We grown-ups go through 20 hurdles in a day. This is life, all of us have given exams, it is not the end of the world.”

This is the stereotypical mindset the society has embedded in us all, that the youth have easy-going lives, facing barely any hardships in comparison to adults. But at the same time, youngsters are also considered the backbone of nations, responsible for the future generations and the status of how developed a country is. Essentially, they are the most pressurized age group of the society, so why is this stage of life considered “carefree”?

In fact, academic stress and societal pressures are perhaps the most first-world problems, for the youth in underdeveloped countries aren’t even provided with the basic necessities to lead a good life. With Illiteracy, bad health and insufficient rights, youngsters are barely living up to their potential in such nations. According to reports,152 million young workers live in households below the poverty line.

Once such hurdles are cleared, mental health problems take over such as ever-increasing anxiety rates and depression. Tell us, how does the youth have it easy?

Recognizing these struggles faced by youngsters, International Youth Day was founded by the United Nations on 12 August 2000.

Celebrated annually, the aim of this day is to bring the attention of governments towards the problems faced by their youth with different themes for each year.

In 2020, the theme for this day was "Youth Engagement for Global Action" and for 2021 it is “Transforming Food Systems: Youth Innovation for Human and Planetary Health”.

IYD’s initiatives include focusing on education, employment, the environment, delinquency, girls and young women, HIV/AIDS and intergenerational relations. However, it is not a day meant only for highlighting the plight of the youth, but also to empower and celebrate them!

Youngsters are urged to participate in politics and manage resources to address global problems, for if their sharp minds are correctly utilized, the world can reach wonders. This is the day to pass the microphone to the youngster sitting beside you, let them decide what they want to do for once!

The traditions of this day include organizing seminars, discussions, debates, fundraisers etc. featuring influential speakers to create more awareness regarding the youth. However, there is always space for fun activities! Events such as parades, sports festivals, talent shows and concerts are also widely anticipated, so if you ever find one in your vicinity, ensure to attend for you will surely be inspired!

Another way to contribute is by aiding young people with mentorship or guidance many desperately need. Creating loud conversations with elder generations who have rigid mindsets also help in establishing a comfortable space for the youth.

On this day, celebrate the generation who can single-handedly change the course of this world for the better.

Living in a Dark World; Image Source: Voices of Youth