Around the world, there has been a large influx of protests, with causes ranging from social media bans to government elitism. One thing remains clear across these protests: the presence of Generation Z activists.
Through protests and social media, youth have garnered global attention surrounding the wrongdoings of people in power. As many have done across the world, young Americans must continue fighting against corruption by exercising their voice.
In Madagascar, Gen Z protests were integral to removing their corrupt president, Andry Rajoelina, from power. This action was prompted by outrage over water and power cuts, according to the BBC, and goes to show that people’s opinions matter and must be acted upon to fight injustice.
Additionally, young Moroccans have spoken against their government’s lack of prioritization regarding healthcare and education, according to Reuters.
This mentality, adopted by Malagasy and Moroccan youth, must become commonplace in
America. With the Trump administration’s marginalization of minorities and undermining of the Constitution, there has to be a change in culture for citizens to unite and see the real threat to our democracy.
The most foundational and commanding way to fight against corrupt politicians is to protest against them and expand movements through social media. It is also imperative for young Americans to go to the polls and use their right to vote against them.
Gen-Z makes up about 20% of the U.S population, according to Statistica. With this number of people, the collective influence of youth is vast and should be utilized to make change.
Furthermore, young people can take action by educating themselves on how previous generations fought against corrupt power at the time.
Learning about events, such as the American civil rights movements or the South African Anti-Apartheid movement, instills that change does happen in a day and requires consistent advocacy.
As such, Gen Z Americans need to step up and use their First Amendment rights every chance they get. While we can take inspiration from previous protests, like No Kings Day, this singular instance is not enough.
Speaking up against a government freely and openly is something that many people do not have the freedom to do, so we must use it to our advantage and fight for what is right. The future is shaped by our voices, and to dust off corruption is ignorant and regressive.
