To the Editor:
Re “Gen Z Will Not Save Us,” by Charlie Warzel (Opinion, June 23):
As a high school counselor, I spend the majority of my time with teenagers who plan to vote in the presidential election. Their message is clear: They face huge economic, health and climate challenges in their adult lives and don’t have time for partisan politics. They want the most qualified and smartest minds focused on solutions.
My students don’t care where these solutions come from as long as they are sound, effective and ensure a future that is livable for them and their children. They don’t expect to be rich; they just want to survive this political, economic and climate mess and feel that if adults won’t or can’t lead, they will do it because their future actually does depend on it. And, Mr. President, they plan to vote green.
Valerie Feit
Mamaroneck, N.Y.
To the Editor:
My New York City school has never been more adamant in demanding change. There’s an Instagram account to call out racist incidents; students are drafting institutional demands; and practically all of my friends have either marched with or donated to Black Lives Matter.
But since I’ve relocated temporarily to the suburbs of Long Island, to my old town, I’ve noticed that only a few of my high-school peers actively support Black Lives Matter. Students get together not to protest but to throw parties. Most simply don’t care about activism.
I agree with Charlie Warzel. Many people, including me, have a skewed view of Generation Z. A very active, small group of young people is prominently featured in news sources and gains attention on social media, but we underestimate how many teenagers remain silent in the background.
Until we’re of age to vote, I can’t say to what extent my generation is different from those who came before, or if we’re repeating the actions, or lack thereof, of our parents and grandparents.
Talia Winiarsky
Woodmere, N.Y.