For years, societal norms have upheld ideas and practices that can be damaging to both individuals and the environment. Thankfully, younger generations, particularly Gen Z, are starting to challenge and reject these harmful norms. Let’s take a look.
Fast Fashion Consumption
Cheap, trendy clothing comes with a high cost to the environment and our wallets. According to the Center for Biological Diversity, fast fashion is one of the leading contributors to pollution, exploitation of labor, and excessive waste. Transitioning to sustainable fashion means supporting ethical brands and wearing our clothes more and for longer.
Celebrity Worship
Idolizing celebrities leads to unrealistic expectations and takes away from everyday role models. The obsession with fame and fortune encourages a culture of materialism and superficiality. We should all strive to give our attention to the people who keep our society running, like doctors and teachers.
Toxic Productivity
The constant push for productivity often leads to burnout, which results in the decline of one’s mental well-being. When we constantly glorify hustle, breaks and self-care are seen as signs of weakness. This mindset undermines the importance of work-life balance, leading to a cycle of exhaustion and, funnily enough, reduced productivity.
Environmental Degradation
Generation Z is passionate about the environment. They simply don’t accept ignoring climate change and continuing to harm the planet. They believe in working together for big changes, like living in eco-friendly ways, pushing for new laws, and making sure companies and governments take care of the earth. They want a healthy planet for everyone in the future.
Unrealistic Beauty Standards
Social media floods users with curated images of flawless beauty, leading to unattainable ideals. This has resulted in an increase in body dissatisfaction and unhealthy comparisons. Gen Z wants us to challenge these standards, embrace diverse representations of beauty, and seek self-acceptance.
Binary Gender Norms
Binary gender norms reinforce outdated stereotypes and expectations based on gender. This leads to limited self-expression and encourages discrimination. Gen Z thinks we should all keep an open mind as to what defines gender roles and allow everyone to explore what works for them.
Diet Culture
Diet culture is the constant obsession with eating food for the sole purpose of looking good. To no one’s surprise, this promotes harmful practices and results in body dissatisfaction. By embracing intuitive eating, we can encourage body positivity and shift the focus from the number on the scale
Materialism
Overconsumption prioritizes possessions over experiences and relationships. Movements like minimalism and mindful consumption seek to teach us how to find satisfaction without the need to have more.
Stigma Around Mental Health
The stigma older generations had around mental health struggles often prevented individuals from seeking support and accessing necessary resources for mental well-being. Gen Z is looking to change that by normalizing conversations around mental health and advocating for mental health education for everyone.
Ageism
Ageism is the act of treating an individual differently based on their age. This habit makes us ignore the value of older people’s experiences and contributions to society. Older people deserve as much respect and love, and we should all strive to treat them as such.
Homophobia and Transphobia
Discrimination against LGBTQ+ is not something Gen Z will tolerate. Most of them are strong advocates for LGBTQ+ rights, creating safe spaces, and educating others on the complexities of gender and sexual orientation.
Ableism
No one chooses to have a disability, so it’s heartwarming to know that the younger generations are doing more to help those who are living with one. Not only are they speaking up on matters of physical disability, but they are also allowing room for those with mental disabilities.
Classism
The gap between the rich and the poor makes it hard for those who aren’t as well off to get ahead in life. Gen Z is all about pushing for fairer rules to give everyone a fighting chance. They are also aware of how certain privileges determine where some people end up in life, making them more tolerant of those who have less.
Xenophobia and Racism
Xenophobia and racism are when people are treated unfairly because of their race or where they come from. This kind of discrimination hurts individuals and divides communities, especially among the working class. Many Gen Z not only embrace people of all backgrounds but actively speak up about the unfair treatment of others.
Inequality in Education
Not everyone has the same access to good schools and learning opportunities. According to GGI, advocating for inclusive curricula, supporting students from underprivileged backgrounds, and addressing systemic educational barriers are essential for promoting equality and fostering a more just society. Lucky for all of us, Gen Z agrees.
Fear of Failure
Fear of failure inhibits growth and innovation by stigmatizing mistakes and setbacks as personal flaws. Generation Z doesn’t agree with the idea that failing is bad. They think being afraid to fail stops people from trying new things and growing.
Cultural Appropriation
Cultural appropriation exploits elements of marginalized cultures for profit or entertainment, disrespecting their significance and history. Building cultural understanding and respect requires acknowledging and amplifying the voices and perspectives of affected communities.
Hyper-Competitiveness
Hyper-competitiveness is simply unnecessary. Gen Z doesn’t support the idea of always having to be the best at the expense of others. They believe in working together, not fighting against each other to win.
