Recently, we watched families get torn apart, civilians killed, and the rights of immigrant Americans be taken away in our country. This has left me and many other teenagers feeling discouraged and powerless.
Generation Z (more commonly called Gen Z) has been infamously titled the “least serious generation,” trapping us in a box, and causing us to feel that our voices aren’t valid. Giving into this mindset will force teens to remain silent, further justifying the wrongdoings of our government. The only way to separate ourselves from this stereotype is to speak up for what we know is right.
At school, students are surrounded by a variety of differing opinions. Many students, including myself, have given into the desire to blend in with our peers when it comes to politics and speaking out. In today’s political climate, one controversial statement can end relationships. This makes it especially difficult for teens because, naturally, we are supposed to make connections at this age. However, because of the weight of what is happening in our country, we need to push these social norms aside. It is important to realize that protesting, having tough conversations with friends and family, and posting about your beliefs on social media doesn’t make you cringy or problematic, it shows that you care. This is the mindset that us as teens need to adopt in order to see a true difference.
In just a couple of months or even years, teens will begin to vote for the representatives that not only determine our laws, but the way that we live. It will soon be our job to ensure that the politicians in office stand for what we want in our country. Furthermore, we will also be required to hold these leaders to the standards of the Constitution and law. Unfortunately, recently this has not been done. The reason for this is because we continue to not speak up. The only thing more powerful than our voices is silence, and the pattern of us remaining indifferent must stop. Remember, staying neutral is political.
However, this is not to say that every teenager doesn’t use their voice. In January, I participated in the Kickapoo Walkout for Immigrants. It was extremely powerful to see students of all different backgrounds, religions, races, and genders join together to fight not only against the actions of our government, but to fight for our peers that are affected by these issues. This gave me, and many others, hope for the future, knowing that we are not alone in wanting change. This event was the perfect example of what high school students are capable of if we all decide to get together and push for what we want.
Finding unity when we are constantly being separated by the battle between “right and left” parties can be extremely difficult at this age. However, the issues that we are currently facing as a nation go far beyond which opposing side one falls under, it is simply about morals.
As teens, it can be difficult to put ourselves into other people’s shoes. I know that I have had the mindset in the past of pushing these real world problems to the side. This could be because I was too worried about an algebra test, or I was more focused on making plans with friends, but we must overcome this selfish way of thinking.
Doing this not only shows empathy, but it also proves that we are willing to protest the issues that we see. Teens are often seen as weak and uneducated. Because of this, many adults don’t feel the need to listen to what we have to say. However, if teens continue to speak up, we will leave enough of an impression to show that even though we are young, we hold power.
As future adults, voters, and members of society, us teens have not only the obligation, but the privilege to speak up. Staying silent won’t fix the injustices that are happening to the citizens in our communities. We can prove that our voices matter, and that all starts with speaking up for what we know is right.
