Generation Z Needs to Get Woke

Hello Everybody.  I have something to say about Generation Z.

          On the first day of class last year, when I was still teaching college, I was shocked at how young my 60 freshmen journalism students looked. So I asked, “In what year were you all born?” One boy shouted out, “The year 2000.”   2000? I thought, oh my God. This is Generation Z, the vanguard of people born in the second millennium. They will be the largest generation in our history.

            I was thinking they don’t know anything know about American history, civics, and the economy…and the perilous times for our democracy. That’s why they were in my class. They had flunked the history and civics entrance exam which immigrants have to pass to become naturalized citizens. Our American kids failed and I had to teach them.

       Let me tell you about Generation Z. It is made up of entitled children, who grew up with time outs and iPhones, iPads, credit cards and Fortnite. They probably didn’t hear “no,” very often. And now this huge influx of young people comes barreling in, and I feel they aren’t prepared for the serious challenges the United States will face in the future.

      We older generations have a responsibility to help prepare these kids to take over the country someday. The schools can’t do it all. We need to teach them about what it takes to be a good citizen, a productive member of society, and  a good person.

              Generation Z is expected to be the smartest generation in history, but what good will that be if all they care about is me, myself and I.

Until next time.