Growing up is not truly a choice. As long as we are alive, we are all constantly growing in some form. Growth is inevitable and unstoppable. Yet, the transition from childhood to adulthood can often feel like a choice. It usually involves the deliberate adoption of new responsibilities and the willing sacrifice of personal comforts for the sake of independence. For instance, entering adulthood can include gaining a job and moving out of our parents’ homes. This means that we willingly take on the pressure of financially supporting ourselves while giving up the comfort of our parents’ care. Although this can initially be stressful, we choose to do so because moving out can give us the space to find our purpose and develop our own identity. The transition from childhood to adulthood may involve many such choices and can take lots of courage.

We cannot control the speed and manner in which we grow up, but we can make the courageous choice to embrace it with the intention of finding a space for ourselves in the world—a purpose or meaning that defines our existence.

With this being the case, Gen Z often finds itself the recipient of criticism for being sensitive, easily offended, or unwilling to face the realities of life. It is criticised for refusing to accept certain harsher parts of the world, even though those factors have co-existed with society for centuries. While every new generation is predestined to receive criticism such as this from its older counterparts, Gen Z seems to be receiving more of it than others.

Is it true that Gen Z seems to be stuck in a state of childhood? Is it true that we do not have the courage to grow up and accept the world for all that it is, including its flaws? The truth is most members of Gen Z are still children, while a few others are very young adults. Their ideas are shaped not only by their own limited experiences but also by the experiences of millions of people all over the world who share and connect through technology. This means that they develop a unique sense of compassion that stems from the need to accept and include everyone. This generation’s unique ability to hear the struggles of individuals all over the world means that even if some topics are not discussed sufficiently within our community and homes, we still have the ability to shape our behaviour and thoughts to be more inclusive.

The sensitive and easily offended nature of Gen Z does not arise from the fear of being hurt or from a lack of courage. Instead, it comes from the need to ensure that harmful situations that may have occurred in the past or in another part of the world do not recur in their own communities.

For instance, imagine that a young person is ready to move out of his parent’s home and into his own apartment. Upon visiting his future home, he discovers that it is dilapidated and built with old, dangerous materials. Is it not natural for him to make attempts to have the issues fixed rather than simply accepting the issues as a perpetual part of his life?

Many of our ancestors fought for the rights we enjoy today. Issues such as racism, sexism, and discrimination have been systematically dismantled until they have reached a point where they are outlawed and frowned upon. Yet, these issues are still very real in the current world. While these issues do not manifest themselves as prevalently or openly as they used to, they still affect people every day, and by accepting them, we are becoming a part of them. The world is our home. When the older generations move on, the world will be a home for our younger generations. Our younger generations should not be encouraged to settle for a home riddled with social ills and a lack of inclusivity.

Verbalising one’s needs and discussing important issues should not be taken as a mark of sensitivity or as an inability to face reality. They should be taken as a mark of courage to stand up against parts of the world that should not exist in a place that is meant to be our future home. Generation Z is truly growing up with courage.