Exposure has become the defining theme of 2024, as a series of events have radically shifted our world. From the arrest of one of Black music’s most prolific figures, Sean “Diddy” Combs, on charges of sexual assault and other crimes, to the unsettling reality of a convicted felon becoming president for a second time, these events illustrate how deeply flawed American society has become. These issues, among others that previous generations—Generation X and millennials—have either ignored or failed to resolve, are taking a heavy toll on Generation Z.
The generation born between 1997 and 2012 has emerged as one of the most outspoken and unapologetic age groups to date. In the 2024 election, Gen Zers made their presence known, stepping up to the polls with concerns like the future of women’s rights and the looming threat of war. Frustrated by the lack of accountability from political leaders in recent years, many Gen Zers voted for the first time, hoping to be part of a historic shift toward positive change.
Before this election, Zillennials (those on the cusp of Gen Z and Millennials) had already cemented their voices in the social and political arenas, particularly during the 2020 racial reckonings sparked by the senseless killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and other Black victims of police violence. Many of the protesters were only 16, 17, or 18 at the time, standing in sweltering heat for hours, maskless, and risking their health to fight for a better world. They weren’t seeking internet fame—they were actively working to create the change they wanted to see, proving that Gen Z is far more than just a social media-obsessed generation.
This social consciousness extends far beyond the Black vs. White divide. In the workforce, Gen Z has shown a willingness to walk away from jobs when faced with inequality. According to CNBC, Gen Z is more likely to participate in the Great Resignation than Millennials, with 42% saying they’ve considered quitting their jobs in the past three months. While this might seem unstable, especially during economic uncertainty, Gen Zers are unwilling to sacrifice their mental health or values for a paycheck. Their peace, they say, is worth more than any salary.
TikTok creator Liz captured the sentiment of the moment in a video posted around the time of Combs’ arrest: “Gen Z is living through insane historical events. The entire industry is starting to get exposed, the pandemic, we’re getting a second moon, and we’re only in our 20s. What does the next 50 years look like?” With half of the generation still in high school, the desire for stability and normalcy has never been more urgent.
As time passes at an alarming rate, and with life-changing decisions unfolding every day, it’s impossible not to wonder what the next fifty years will hold. For Gen Z, time has always been a precious commodity—but the need for answers is more pressing than ever. As we work to improve the world with the power we have, questions remain: What about the next ten, twenty, or thirty years? What about tomorrow? When is too far too far? Will America ever live up to its identity as the land of the free, one nation under God? Will being Black finally be a blessing rather than a threat? One can only hope and pray.