GEN Zs ARE IN BIG TROUBLE

"Pls, I will do the dishes later” That's what zainab said. But her Mum wasn't having it. She almost levelled the mountain. “This Gen Z just wants to enjoy life. They are lazy and lackadaisical!” she shouted “During my own generation, who dared to talk back to their parents” Meanwhile, I was in one corner, sitting with my jaw resting on my palm. I was enjoying the whole scenery, watching Zainab's mother spitting fire like a sango. “Gen z…” “Gen z..” Those were the recurring words in her angry speech. I sighed and muttered to myself “Walai Gen Zs are in big soup” Because tell me why should the mistake of one person earn the whole generation lashes. I am a Gen Z. Though an early one. And I have been on this earth for a while to notice the pattern. I have seen how the word “Gen Z” is being smuggled into every discussion about moral decline and social abnormality It is now beginning to feel like the world has been eroded by this generation. As if everything began to fall apart the moment will arrive. We are accused of disrespecting the elders, parents, teachers, bosses for questioning authority. Not willing to accept the phrase, “Because I said so” without proper explanation is now termed rebellion. Certain behaviours have now become our hallmarks not because we invented them, but because it's what society believes. “Gen Z have poor work ethics” “They're sensitive“ “They are addicted to quick money” “They don't wanna work “ “Feeling entitled” “Being sensitive” Haba! Kuku just say Gen Z will end the world. These stereotypes are gradually becoming normal. I am not saying there's no iota of truth in the criticism. We have spoilt Gen Zs The nonchalance, disrespect, and malevolent ones are among us. Does that mean the whole Generation is bad? Does that mean the whole generation is rotten? Why should the mistake of one slave become the identity of the millions alike? Besides, Gen Z did not invent laziness, rebellion, disrespect, rejection of traditional norms. All these traits existed long before us. The foundation was laid by the previous generation in different form and names But Gen Z seems to receive so much blame. People behave and talk as if we have infected the world with our behaviours As if we brought destruction and chaos. As if the world was a better place before our arrival. But was it? Were people not lazy before Gen Z? Did generations before never use slang, challenge authority, chase wealth or reject traditional norms. Why do we discuss this problem as though they're exclusive to the young ones of today? And yes, Gen Z may have its problem but it should not become a universal explanation for every social problem. Also a generation is made up of millions of individuals with different values,standards, habits and ambition. So it'll be unfair to judge all by the actions of the few among them. Or maybe Gen z has no flaws. Maybe that is a convenient way for society to label the flaws that have been in existence for generations. And before we blame the entire generation, we should pause and ask ourselves this question: Did Gen Z create the problem or did we simply give an old problem a new name? @Àdùní

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