Young Generation's Creativity and Laziness Essay

Generation Z or Post-millennials includes people born in between the mid-1990s and 2014. The categorization is based on critical economic, political, and social factors. Unlike other generations, most demographers have neglected analysis of post-millennials because they are below eighteen years. Most of the members were born in the digital era filled with technological advancements. They are comfortable with technology and are more flexible (Mohr 89). However, most of their characteristics raise moral concerns, such as laziness. The track I Can by Nas is an example of a song that exemplifies the core characteristics of post-millennials and their general worldview. Despite the fact that cohorts in this generation have several undesirable characteristics, the song illustrates them as technologically enabled, socially inclusive, fearless, and ambitious.

Firstly, the song reveals that post-millennials are comfortable with technology, which makes them lazy. They are technological natives since they were born in the digital era. The artist acknowledges that and encourages them to work hard to achieve their goals. Additionally, in the song's lyrics, Nas warns children of copying what they see and hear on television and videos since it can have adverse effects on their lives (NasVEVO 02:11). Today, teenagers are more exposed to social media than the millennials were at the same age. They can download videos, stream television shows, and follow their social icons online. While most of the older generations may view the trend as a source of laziness and addiction, generation Z perceive technology as a source of information and awareness. Secondly, the artist acknowledges the benefits of technology but warns the children of its harmful effects. Noticeably, the internet and social media can corrupt the youth's morals. Thirdly, in the line "You can host TV like Oprah Winfrey," Nas reveals that generation Z can utilize technology to achieve their dreams and discover their talents (NasVEVO 01:23). Unlike the millennials, many technological tools available today, such as YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram assist the youth in enhancing their talents as television personas. In the past, due to limited technology, the opportunity was limited to high echelons only.

Secondly, the track portrays generation Z cohorts as confident with their lives. Notably, the Chorus "I know I can be who I wanna be" proves that members of this generation are poised with their future ambitions (NasVEVO 03:12). The lyrics utilize strong words, such as "know" instead of "think," to prove that the children do not doubt what they are saying (NasVEVO 03: 28). The characteristic is unique to post-millennials since they grow up in a supportive environment, unlike the past generations. In the past, especially in many developing countries, the youth were doubtful of their future due to harsh economic situations. Nevertheless, today, education has become a fundamental privilege in most states, a condition that generation Z is enjoying. Importantly, the government has been placing many supporting structures regarding education equality and computer-based education.

Thirdly, the song's video reveals generation Z as liberals who are socially inclusive and possess strong social values. Social inclusiveness has become dominant in the twenty-first century. In his video, Nas features black, Hispanic, and white children in the chorus. They sing in unity and enjoy each other's company. Noticeably, all the children seem confident, a trait that did not exist in the past generations due to apartheid. The video exemplifies an important character only dominant in this generation. Post-millennials did not live in a time when the world was filled with social segregation, racism, and gender stereotyping. Instead, they live an era when the media supports inclusivity, diversity, and religious tolerance. Among all generations alive today, post-millennials do not have any historical experience of racial or religious bias. The phenomenon contributes to their harmonious nature. Moreover, they are tolerant of social and political differences compared to other generations.

Fourthly, the song also shows that individuals in generation Z have strong values. For instance, in the second stanza, Nas exemplifies the pressure that girls and boys face due to adolescence. He raps about how they can overcome the challenges to secure their future. He later asks, "If you believe you can achieve, then say like this," and the children respond with the chorus (NasVEVO 04:00). The situation proves that the children are indeed concerned about wellbeing. Even though peer pressure is present today, it is fading among generation Z because they base their relationships on ethics and values, unlike other generations who built theirs on convenience and proximity. Additionally, they are creative. They realize that they need strong moral values to survive in an era filled with AIDs and other sexually transmitted diseases (Mohr 86). Notably, single parents raise most of the children, a trait that is more common with the millennials. Moreover, the children claim that they will achieve their goals if they work hard. Hard work is a moral value essential for personal development.

The song exemplifies several characteristics common amongst generation Z. While most of them are below the age of eighteen years, their character, resilience, and attitude towards the world proceed them. Many teenagers today are more concerned with social inclusivity, healthy relationships, and personal fulfillment.

According to Glass, generation Z has grown up with technological ease and believe they can communicate with anyone in the world within a moment (100). Technology has made the lazy in such a way that they spend most of their time on social media. Until the twenty-first century, when mobile phones and the internet were developed, communication was a challenging endeavor. Nevertheless, today, social media has broken the glass wall. The generation has grown up using smartphones and social platforms, such as Facebook and Snapchat. They view most electronics as necessities, while the same were luxuries to their parents. For example, I have various personal accounts in sites such as Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. I use them for entertainment and communication purposes. While most individuals, especially my parents, think that I am addicted to the internet and lazy, I use it to raise my awareness of global trends in fashion, education, and technology. Notably, I enjoy connecting with my friends via the internet while I cannot meet them physically.

Glass notes that generation Z is one of the most culturally sensitive, inclusive, and tolerant age groups in existence today (98). The phenomenon is justifiable since they do not have a past encounter with racial and religious segregation. Notably, most of them have friends from diverse religion s and ethnicities. For example, I have several friends from different nationalities and races in my neighborhood. I associate them as my equals and do not prejudice or judge anyone regarding their culture. Additionally, most of the same-sex campaigners are from generation Z. For instance, when same-sex marriages were legalized in the United States, they more celebrated compared to baby boomers and generation Y. Other generations may have compromised their standards; however, generation Z was willing to live peacefully and honor each other's sexual orientation.

Generation Z has strong moral values and resistant to peer pressure. Peer influence can be in many forms including incorporating existing unethical cultural values. However, people in this group believe in equality, hard work, and resilience. They also challenge the old population on their leadership and poverty eradication policies (Glass 103). Significantly, they can overcome peer pressure, unlike other generations. In this case, it is rare for children to indulge in questionable behaviors. While most may admire their celebrity icon's lifestyles, they are less influenced by negativities, unlike the millennials. For example in high school, together with my friends, we had a list of favorite musicians that we longed to attend their shows and enjoy life as they did. However, we were aware of social media exaggerations and adverse consequences of leading certain lifestyles. Therefore, we were not influenced by TV personas to change our attitude towards life.

People in generation Z are confident about their future. They are pessimistic with life unlike other age groups and work hard towards achieving their goals. They were born during the economic recession; therefore, they are not comfortable with laziness (Mohr, 87). They acknowledge that they have to build their future based on their merits. Notably, in the past two years, university and college enrollment across the globe has increased tremendously. In my case, I work hard to achieve my goals despite numerous challenges in the contemporary world. I believe that I can make realize them if I work hard and retain a positive attitude towards the world.

Conclusion

Overall, generation Z has outstanding characteristics compared to other age groups in the world today. While most are not politically inclined, technology has enabled them to shape their values towards cultural, religious, political, and gender diversity. The song I Can by Nas is a perfect piece of art that illustrates how post-millennials are confident about their futures, hardworking, and technologically literate. Change is inevitable; therefore, institutions should allow first-year students-who belong to generation Z- to lead their lives accordingly without many critics.

Works Cited

Glass, Amy. "Understanding Generational Differences for Competitive Success." Industrial and Commercial Training vol. 39, no. 2, 2007, pp. 98-103.

"I Can." You Tube, uploaded by NasVEVO, 22 March 2011. www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvVfgvHucRY

Mohr, Kathleen AJ. "Understanding Generation Z students to promote a Contemporary Learning Environment." Journal on Empowering Teaching Excellence vol. 1, no. 9, 2017, pp. 84-94.