the birth of Gen Beta answers the existential question of what 2025 means for us, now the third-youngest generation to exist. (Photo credits: Pexels)
Kaveri Pillai
Jan 15, 2025 10:50 IST First published on: Jan 15, 2025 at 10:50 IST
January 1, 2024, and that inevitable question: What do you wish for? My loved ones’ good health and a job after graduation. A silent prayer for peace in war-stricken regions and affirmations on electing progressive political candidates rolled off my tongue and heart with ease. Fast-forward to January 1, 2025. Older and more tired, my wishes are more realistic: a fix for my geriatric knees, good coffee, and 365 days of healing.
So what happened to change things in the span of a year? To begin with, 2025 welcomes Generation Beta, a new age of children born from now to 2039. Farwell, days of being the youngest ones around the block. Welcome, days of earned cynicism, as we navigate the treacherous waters of dwindling employment, climate injustices and politically divisive rhetoric. The canon of paternalistic judgements fired at Gen Z is far from depletion, but I am curious to see what kind of critical legacy the new Gen Beta inherits and what their prospects might be. Will it be yet another generation to be told they know or do too little or will they be welcomed to the world with unconditional compassion? Additionally, the birth of Gen Beta answers the existential question of what 2025 means for us, now the third-youngest generation to exist. As the rookies, Gen Alpha and Gen Beta, are pushed into the splash zone of ridicule, does the ever-confused Gen Z finally make the transition from mentee to mentor? And if so, what would that look like? Would we have any encouraging advice to impart to the younglings?
Here’s what we learned from the year gone by 2024 was the year of big “what ifs”: A decision that would impact governance, a chance to learn from history and condemn ethnic violence, an opportunity to prove the rest of the world wrong and break barriers. The outcomes were far from perfect, but as a generation that has seen too much global strife, we know that drawing on our small yet significant wins is the way forward.
Discontent and rage were no longer just simmering under the surface in India last year. Widespread protests took over Kolkata as people deplored the August 9 rape and murder of a 31-year-old woman-trainee doctor at R G Kar Medical College, demanding justice and better protection for women. Across the country, students protested against entrance exam irregularities, with the medical entrance NEET and civil services exams being accused of misconduct and paper leaks. As we wait for the Kolkata rape-case trial verdict this month and states and the Centre grapple with the unabated exam fiasco, we should applaud Gen Z’s sense of justice. Students are the future and when united, can start movements for change.
Activism can take many forms. The ongoing assault on Palestine and the threat of climate change created different avenues for Gen Z to express their stance. Boycotting gained popularity as brands like McDonalds and Coca-Cola were rejected because of their direct support of the Israeli occupation in Palestine. Fashion brands like SHEIN and SKIMS tied for the last spot on the 2024 Remake Fashion Accountability Report, for subpar labour practices and detrimental environmental impacts. These products reported a decline in sales and profits in 2024. This was Gen Z’s message: In a world plagued with rampant capitalism, the customer has power, and it can be used for good.
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Every voice matters. 2024 celebrated Gen Z pathbreakers. Pop star Chappell Roan used her platform to talk about the dire state of trans rights and healthcare in the US and took a brave stand on toxic fan relationships and the need for healthy boundaries. Climate activist from Bengaluru Disha Ravi used her social media to encourage her young followers to get more involved in the climate change effort in India. She attended climate action conferences, put India on the map as a force to be reckoned with in environmental justice. Having a voice is a privilege, and these Gen Z personalities have shown that privilege can be exercised to challenge the dominant discourse and systemic inequalities.
And thus we reached another new year. Halfway through January, Hollywood is on fire, and the US is gearing up for a new President. But Gen Z knows what it takes to hope for the best. So, if you are in search of some radical optimism, and the same question presents itself to younger, still miraculously bushy-tailed generations, think carefully because the answer could change the world: What do you wish for?
The writer is an intern with The Indian Express
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