A Generation With Open Arms

Generation-Z is making a change for the better when it comes to inclusivity. Those who are included in this generation are more accepting than those that have come before.

Inclusivity doesn’t pertain to only a certain amount of Gen-Z kids, it applies to the majority.

This generation is vastly diverse with no choice but to make a change. Every person that belongs to Gen-Z has a different background which could make it difficult to be accepting.

“We are more accepting of others due to exposure of different cultures through… social contact and electronic technology,” Gabe Barnes, GSA Leader at Kennedy, said.

As a generation that has grown up alongside technology, Generation-Z members are able to connect in

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ways that used to be impossible. This opportunity to connect has allowed individuals to learn about and from each other.

“We have [the ability] to communicate with billions of other people that have wide differences in religion, culture, and ideas from our own,” Barnes said.

Exposure to people from a variety of different backgrounds allows members of Gen-Z to see the world from a different view. More than 20 years, ago schools were not as diverse as they are now. At Kennedy, we see people from many different groups and cultures. As a newer generation, we have been exposed to many causes that have brought new people into our society.

While prejudice still exists, there is less now than there was before. This has created a large forum for members of the LGBTQ+ to come out and be a part of the

community that wasn’t always accepted.

We are also living in a world where immigration is very prominent in bringing different cultures into schools.

“We as a society are more exposed to others than any generation before us,” Barnes said. “Because of that, we are more capable of understanding other people and accepting the differences that we have, but also able to find common ground in our beliefs and values.” 3 Examples of a more inclusive generation can be witnessed within Kennedy High School. Clubs such as the Gay Straight Alliance and Black Student Union focus on including others and making everyone feel welcomed.

“Being a leader of the Kennedy GSA has taught me that everyone has a wide variety of backgrounds and histories, and though no one should necessarily be forced to share their history, it is helpful to raise awareness by putting differences out there to inform people that even though we may be different, we are all human beings,” Barnes said.

Generation-Z has had the help of previous generations by building up standards of tolerance and acceptance. This generation is on track to continue raising these standards. Generation-Z is putting differences aside in efforts to create a better society.

Generation-Z has had the help of previous generations by building up standards of tolerance and acceptance. This generation is on track to continue raising these standards. Generation-Z is putting differences aside in efforts to create a better society.

Lindsey Matus