Gen Z
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By Omolola Olakunri
The young employed Gen Z had stopped going to church. She never really connected with ‘the traditional church ‘ of her parents. Only attending because she was a minor, and attendance had been compulsory.
Now that she had gotten a job and made her own money, she found her voice, told her parents that the family church was not “working for her.” She had found a church online that addressed her needs and struggles as a young adult, where she thrived. That was the community she embraced.
She and a few of her friends had great ideas. Set up a soup kitchen initiative to feed the poor once a quarter. There were also further plans to provide for the Maroko children. Plus, empowering many indigents.
She animatedly shared her hopes and dreams with her parents. There had been an impasse. Threats and posturing. Expected bluster.
Parents trying to defend decades of tradition and ..’ this is the way we do things.’ That just doesn’t work anymore.
The old system is dying..But not without a fight. Like an earthquake, it leaves massive aftershocks of confrontation in its wake…Tremors that affect everyone.
Our Generation wants Doctors, our children want musicians. We worked 9 to 5 jobs, in buildings across town, they would rather have remote jobs that free them to do other things.. We give accolades to the 35 years of service, the golden wristwatch, and a handshake. They would rather change jobs every year until they find the one that fits. And even then, it’s only for a while until they can financially follow their dreams.
They are outspoken in situations where we would find it more comfortable to reserve our comments. They take no prisoners.
We clash over our differing values and approaches. We clash over work ethics, diligence, and, oh, the Independence that we so love to hate at the same time. There’s a whole canyon of differences between us and our children.
With or without us, they blaze trails. Fearless. They challenge the status quo and forge their own paths.
Their creativity, determination, and focus are undeniable. From Business to the Arts, they are leaving the earth and aiming for the galaxies. The sky is just not big enough for them anymore. They redefine what it means to give back, with many opting to invest in causes they care about rather than following traditional practices.
Truth is, Gen Zs would never have survived in today’s world with our mindset.
There’s been too much change. Too much exposure. The world has become a global village. They would have been extinct. Like the T-Rex. And they are not ready to roll over, they create their own realities.
Adaptation and strategy are essential for growth and survival. Gen Zs tackle the tough terrain of change before them. Especially as they have no lessons to fall back on. As different from us as the hunchback TV and the smart flat screen.
They are not perfect. Make their mistakes. They fall and get up. One thing they never do is give up on their dreams. Yes, they are stubborn.
Yes, they don’t communicate as much as they should. It drives many parents up the wall.. And truly, many express themselves in forthrightness that borders on a slight. But that is their world. Many have no godfather, relying on grit and grease, so pardon them if they don’t believe they have to employ etiquette to speak.
Discussions with them do not make sense just because it’s a parent speaking. But because what is said actually makes sense, and is wisdom. Emotional theatrics are lost on them. All the award-winning dramas of.. Unless these are not the breasts that fed you.. Unless you have another father outside are lost on them.
Their world demands certain aloofness and distancing. Sperm donors can get a woman pregnant. Dating apps are more of a reality than we think, and not every female child wants to marry or have children. That is their reality.
Epic battles have been fought on the grounds of.. It’s either my way or the highway… Some have chosen the highway.
We wonder why they are not more accommodating of us.. Some say Gen Z children are overrated. Self-absorbed and selfish.. With all the resources that were poured into them.
They are grateful, but they don’t simper. Survival mode insists that they think of themselves first.
No is a full sentence in their vocabulary. It makes many think of them as selfish and self-absorbed, as indeed some are.. But there are many others who are kind.
Detty December is a testament to the power of creativity and innovation of Gen Z. It has exploded into an industry. Contributing as much as 4 percent to the gross domestic product.
Today, many drop their English names, choosing instead to identify with names that resonate with their revelation and culture. We see dreadlocks more now. Identification of their pan Africanism roots. They sport agate beads on wrists and indulge in tribal fashion. Never has a generation been so openly supportive of their roots.
I recently had a Millennial educate me that a lot of the writings of Greek philosophers like Socrates were actually gleaned from North African teachers. The early editions carried acknowledgements in the preface to North Africa.. But more recent editions have removed this in its entirety. I found this to be true.
I have been educated on the history of a black Pharaoh in Egypt. Referring to the 25th dynasty in Egypt..A Nubian dynasty that ruled for almost a century. Referred to as the Kushite Kings. They were credited with restoring traditional Egyptian values, culture, architecture, and the construction of the Pyramids.. The story of a black Roman Emperor..Septimus Severus..
Millennials read more than we ever will. They do their research. And they are very proud of their knowledge. Refusing to be hoodwinked by censored articles and posts.
Fela defied his parents by reading music instead of law. Today, afrobeat sound continues to inspire generations, and Fela’s legacy extends beyond music to social commentary and activism.
Michelle Ajibade, a talented writer and filmmaker, uses her platform to make an impact. A look through Instagram will show the number of young people who defy the odds and excel with their unique perspectives and approach.
Now more than ever before, we are seeing millennials whose innovative spirit and creativity set them apart. Their faces adorn glossy magazines and newspapers.
This hybrid of us, and yet not us. Younger versions of ourselves. Not stereotypes that we don’t understand, or want to.. Understand
We must try and build bridges of communication to this hybrid that is Us, and yet not us. Younger versions of ourselves.
They’re more daring, more creative, and more open to taking risks. A meaningful relationship with them is necessary.
The world they live in is shaped by different challenges, opportunities, and influences. By embracing these differences and being open to learning from them, we can build strong bonds and help them thrive in their own way.
About Us
Write Affairs was created in June 2024 as an extension of Quintessential Strategies Limited (QSL) to meet the growing demand for expert writing services.
The Gen Zs are trailblazers. Totally agree that learning and acknowledging their viewpoints will surely forge a greater relationship.