The Myth of the ‘Radical’ Gen Z: A Generation Misunderstood?
Ever noticed how every generation seems to think the one after it is going rogue? It’s almost a rite of passage—older folks shaking their heads, declaring the youth ‘out of control.’ But here’s the twist: what if Gen Z isn’t the firebrand generation everyone makes them out to be? What if, in reality, they’re just the latest scapegoat in a long line of generational blame games? This is the provocative argument put forth by author Amish Tripathi, and it’s worth unpacking.
The Language of Rebellion: Then vs. Now
One thing that immediately stands out is Tripathi’s take on Gen Z’s language. Personally, I think he’s onto something when he says their ‘salty’ language isn’t unique—it’s just more visible. What many people don’t realize is that past generations were no saints either. The difference? Social media wasn’t around to immortalize every swear word or protest chant. If you take a step back and think about it, the ‘gaali wars’ Tripathi mentions were just as intense, if not more so. The only reason they’re not viral is because there was no Instagram to capture them.
This raises a deeper question: are we judging Gen Z by a double standard? In my opinion, we are. The internet never forgets, and that’s a sword hanging over Gen Z’s head. Every misstep, every heated moment, gets amplified and memed into oblivion. Meanwhile, the Boomers and Gen Xers got to protest—and even rebel—with far less scrutiny. It’s a classic case of ‘do as I say, not as I did.’
Protests: A Generational Tradition
Here’s where things get interesting: protests aren’t a Gen Z invention. From the anti-corruption movements led by Millennials to the armed rebellions of the Boomers (looking at you, Naxal movement), every generation has had its moment of dissent. What makes this particularly fascinating is how quickly we forget our own histories. Tripathi points out that the Boomers’ protests were far more extreme—yet somehow, Gen Z gets labeled as ‘anti-Indian’ for a few heated slogans. If you ask me, it’s less about the protests and more about the optics.
A detail that I find especially interesting is Tripathi’s comparison of Gen Z to the Naxal movement. The Boomers didn’t just protest; they took up arms. Compared to that, Gen Z’s activism looks downright tame. Yet, the narrative persists: Gen Z is the ‘problem child.’ What this really suggests is that we’re more uncomfortable with the visibility of their dissent than the dissent itself.
The Indian State: Soft Until It’s Not
Tripathi’s commentary on the Indian state is where things get nuanced. He argues that the state is ‘amazingly accommodating’—until it’s not. Personally, I think this is a crucial point often missed in discussions about protest and activism. The state, he says, can be ruthlessly hard when it feels its core power is challenged. This isn’t a new phenomenon, but it’s a reminder that the line between protest and rebellion is thinner than we think.
What many people don’t realize is that this isn’t about any one government. It’s about the nature of power. The state’s response to dissent has always been context-dependent, and Tripathi’s warning to Gen Z—to stay focused on their goals and avoid being manipulated—is spot-on. In a world where agendas can be co-opted, staying ‘laser sharp’ is more important than ever.
The Bigger Picture: Are We Forgetting Our Past?
If you take a step back and think about it, the criticism of Gen Z feels like a case of selective amnesia. We’ve all been young, passionate, and maybe a little reckless. Yet, when it’s Gen Z’s turn, we act like it’s unprecedented. This raises a deeper question: are we more interested in controlling the narrative than understanding it? In my opinion, we are.
What this really suggests is that generational conflict is less about the generations themselves and more about our own insecurities. We see Gen Z’s activism and language as a mirror—and we don’t like what we see. Instead of reflecting on our own pasts, we’d rather point fingers. It’s easier that way.
Final Thoughts: A Generation Misjudged?
Here’s the takeaway: Gen Z isn’t the radical, anti-Indian generation they’re made out to be. They’re just the latest generation navigating the same old struggles—with a few more cameras pointed their way. Personally, I think we owe them more than just criticism. We owe them the honesty to admit that we’ve been here before. And maybe, just maybe, we should learn from our own histories before we judge theirs.
