Understanding Generation Z through a Gen Z

(Understanding Generation Z through a Gen Z : The feature photo has been taken from Internet, source: https://www.4dhumanbeing.com/how-gen-z-is-transforming-the-workplace/)

 

There are several things that define today’s generation of teenagers to young adults, but how  are the youth of this country figuring out their life as they go through a significant historical  event and its major transitions?  

The pandemic has become a big part of the lives of everyone around the world, especially for  Generation Z. When talking about this generation, it is hard to ignore the impact of the  pandemic. In 2019, the youth would find themselves in cafes where the smell of coffee would  waft through conversations. If they were not in aesthetically pleasing restaurants, each other’s  houses would serve as a place to escape to and have fun. But now, hang-outs take place in  discord servers and messenger calls. While these outlets allow them to do activities such as  watch movies and play games together, they still long to be able to laugh in each other’s  company. The pandemic has caused a generation that used to be quite energetic and lively to  now being labelled as lazy and unmotivated. While some individuals are highly driven to  change the world in one way or another, others prefer to be in the passenger seat and enjoy the  scenery as they cruise through life. Both mind-sets are understandable as the youth are  sometimes faced with hopelessness, given the state of the world today. Their increasing  awareness of socio-political issues often leave them staring at the ceiling as they ponder the  meaning of life.  

A common misconception about Generation Z in Bangladesh is that they are all the same.  “Today’s generation is hopeless” is frequently heard, but the Bengali youth are a very diverse  group of people with a wide range of talents and interests. Their knowledge ranges from their  academic studies to other areas such as film, gaming and fashion to name only a few. This is  reminiscent of older generations who were trying to figure out themselves and their interests  through confusing adolescent years. The difference is that current generations have more access  to resources and information to figure out where their interests truly lie. They are able to soak  in information more specific to their interests.  

Even though the youth is constantly berated for being on their phones, they have used their  resources on social media to start small businesses during the pandemic. These businesses are  mostly in the form of Instagram pages. Some of these pages were able to solidify the trend of  online thrifting, where they sell pieces from decades past. Scrolling through social media and  coming across alluring pages of vintage shirts and blouses gives refreshing new fashion  inspirations. Another notable fashion trend that the Bengali youth has adapted is handmade  beaded jewellery. To create something and see someone buy it and appreciate it is an amazing  accomplishment these young individuals are able to achieve. The unique designs they create  really help Generation Z make this trend their own. 

Understanding Generation Z through a Gen Z
Online initiatives by Gen Z

Photo credit: @thriftmyclos.et on Instagram 

On the contrary, Bengali artists have struggled to find inspiration in this pandemic era.  However, they still continue to whip out their canvases and paint brushes for when they just  want to feel the soothing movements of their brush strokes. Whether the final product comes  out good or bad, the painters find the best way to destress is to sit down with their tools, light  fairy lights and scented candles and paint inspired by the ambience of their surroundings.  Moreover, paint is not the only form of media artists can use to express themselves. Make-up  artists have been showcasing immense talent on social media, whether they create simple looks  or elaborate face art. Make-up has become an inclusive art form for Generation Z. Although  they are unable to go outside, it is more than enough to put on their favourite album and apply  their make-up to take lovely pictures. 

Understanding Generation Z through a Gen Z

Photo credit: Reyna Ahmad on Instagram 

A hobby that young Bengalis have picked up from older generations in their household and  made it their own is cooking. Along with traditional dishes, households will be filled with the  aroma of whatever new concoction they come up with. Young home cooks have learned to  experiment with their cooking by following the taste and smell of their dish as they add each  ingredient. It also serves as a bonding experience with family members, as their parents or  grandparents walk them through every step of cooking dishes they have mastered. Similarly,  Generation Z have also taken up baking. The whisking of flour, eggs and milk can be quite  therapeutic. This is followed by sweet smells enveloping the kitchen as the cake bakes in the 

oven, and then decorating with colourful frosting and small cream flowers. A truly calming  activity that is rewarded by a delicious piece of cake in the end.  

Generation Z was supposed to make the most out of their youthful years outside, but the  pandemic has left most of them trapped inside the four walls of their room, drained and burnt  out. As another year has passed, the Generation Z individuals battle through academic pressures  while also trying to keep themselves sane. Even so, they continue to have an incredible sense  of empathy and be more accepting of others. Grand ambitions are few among this generation  but when asked the simple question of what they want to do in life, most will answer with being  happy and keeping others around them happy.

Photo: Internet

Author: Tasnia Naureen

[ Understanding Generation Z through a Gen Z ]