From time to time, I will post visualized data as my Facebook cover image. The first is from a Jan. 2019 Pew Research report presenting encouraging data on Generation Z (those born after 1996). Though an early temperature reading, the studies indicate Gen Z's continuity with Millennials (1981-96) on a host of political topics.
Despite being viewed in the public discourse as "left," the opinion polls of these two cohorts indicate a leftward trend toward the center, therefore better approximating overall majority opinion when examined outside the partisan framework.
The older generations have tended to vote to the right of—and therefore against—their personal preferences and material interests. As a result, the conversation has been moved away from the center to the right. Millennials and Gen Z are merely shifting the discourse back toward the center—pushing against the lack of good judgment and damage done by Generation X (1965-80) and the Baby Boomers (1946-64).
In other words, good news for the country as a whole.
Additionally, the New York Times too has visited the Pew site recently. Yesterday, I found their new piece on Generation Z (Mar. 28), and thought it was an interesting coincidence that they linked to the same study.
The article serves as an introduction to the interactive feature embedded in the piece. Both are worth looking at.
Get to know these younger generations. Mine and the Baby Boomers are frequently condescending and critical of Gen Z and the Millennials—with astounding nerve. Apologies are in order, for a catalog of reasons. And if early studies are any indicator, gratitude will also be due.
