GenZ’s Cut the Crap Attitude!

The recent protests have astonished Indian society. No one ever thought that a movement without regular leadership would emerge—let alone one primarily comprising Gen Z—or that it would have such an enormous impact on the political leadership. While how the government navigates Gen Z is yet to be seen, the whole society is somewhat astonished by the “Cut the Crap” attitude this generation has shown. A large debate is currently raging over the language Gen Z used during the protests. Some believe it is bold of them to use such language toward higher authority, while others feel that it represents increasing vulgarity and a lack of traditional Indian values. But Gen Z is neither bold nor vulgar; they are just what they are: brutal, upfront, and mindful of their rights. And this is not something to be astonished at, as it was always in the making while this generation was growing up. We are only able to see it now that it is on full display.

Gen Z (Generation Z) refers to the demographic cohort born between 1997 and 2012, following Millennials and preceding Generation Alpha. They are often called digital natives because they grew up with smartphones, high-speed internet, and social media as a normal part of daily life. They are fully loaded with information, and the mobile phone is effectively wired into their system. That is why during the protests, one could see almost everyone making a video. It is entirely usual for them to document each and every moment and pass it on to their peers. Not only this, but they are also flooded with global ideas and understand exactly how the systems of other countries work. As for their language, this vocabulary has always been in vogue within Indian cinematic culture, such as modern movies and web series. Millennials were also exposed to such language but remain a bit shy about using it—a constraint that does not appear to hold true for Gen Z.

But what makes Gen Z distinctly different from Millennials, Gen X, and Baby Boomers is the country’s changing socio-economic landscape. For Baby Boomers, government jobs were a natural progression toward upward social mobility. The private sector was in the minority, and the country was largely agrarian. Therefore, government jobs formed a strong occupational prospect for a large part of society, coming with natural job security and pensionary benefits. Gen X and Millennials witnessed a shift with the rise of private-sector white-collar jobs and a booming Indian economy. Job security began to diminish for Millennials, but they could still manage that instability through high-paying, quality jobs. The situation for Gen Z is fundamentally different. India has seen a drastic rise in contractual jobs and the gig economy just as traditional job security disappears. Having witnessed global, destabilising events like economic recessions and COVID-19, the lessons that some form of stability is vital—and that life holds immense uncertainty—have already left a mark on their minds. Thus, they are vocal about issues that matter to them, brutal about corporate politeness, and demanding of a life that is more meaningful and comfortable.

Sometimes, they are labelled as lazy, crazy, or aggressive, but the bottom line is that they are deeply aware of historical social realities and are not ready to accept less than what they deserve. Their expectations include robust social security, a healthy work-life balance, and a desire to live in a safe, developed country. They are not ready to accept arguments where the victim is blamed for the crime. They are well aware that good systems are those that provide choices rather than restricting them. Gen Z forms nearly 30 percent of the Indian population and constitutes a considerable part of the Indian electorate. It is impossible for Indian society to ignore their voice. Political, social, and economic institutions will have to catch up with their demands. Furthermore, their demands are not absurd; they are absolutely fundamental to the idea of a Viksit Bharat. The rising gig economy requires a stepping up of social security benefits to gig workers. Contractual jobs with poor wage conditions are fundamentally unsustainable. Education is becoming increasingly expensive and unrewarding. Apart from a few stable government and private jobs, the level of anxiety in the lives of Gen Z is enormous, and they are demanding some peace in their lives.

It is an opportune time for both central and state governments to step up reforms that bring about a qualitative transformation in the lives of Gen Z. Not only is there a need for good quality job creation and targeted social security, but there is also a desperate need to change the image of the government itself. Government in India is still stereotyped as lazy, corrupt, and inefficient—an image that must be shed immediately. Reforms should be faster than ever, and their delivery must be highly visible. The need to professionalise the government cannot be overstated. Labelling Gen Z will not do any good; they need to be understood, guided, and partnered with in creating the Indian society we all desire. The Gen Z outburst should not become the subject of ethnocentric commentary, but instead should be taken as a social reality that demands faster change in our systems. In the end, whether it is Millennials, Baby Boomers, Gen Z, or any other generation, all Indians want to see a country that gives a dignified life to its individuals—and this episode should be a reminder that Gen Z is eager to see it sooner rather than later.