Page 79 - COVID-19: The Great Reset

not forget to listen. This is made all the more significant by the fact
that the younger generation is likely to be more radical than the

older one in refashioning our social contract. The pandemic has
upended their lives, and a whole generation across the globe will
be defined by economic and often social insecurity, with millions
due to enter the work force in the midst of a profound recession.

They will bear these scars forever. Also, starting off in a deficit –
many students have educational debts – is likely to have long-
term effects. Already the millennials (at least in the Western world)
are worse off than their parents in terms of earnings, assets and

wealth. They are less likely to own a home or have children than
their parents were. Now, another generation (Gen Z) is entering a
system that it sees as failing and that will be beset by long-
standing problems revealed and exacerbated by the pandemic. As

a college junior, quoted in The New York Times, put it: “Young
people have a deep desire for radical change because we see the
broken path ahead.” [73]

How will this generation respond? By proposing radical

solutions (and often radical action) in an attempt to prevent the
next disaster from striking – whether it’s climate change or social
inequalities. It will most likely demand a radical alternative to the
present course because its members are frustrated and dogged

by a nagging belief that the current system is fractured beyond
repair.

Youth activism is increasing worldwide, [74] being revolutionized
by social media that increases mobilization to an extent that would

have been impossible before. [75] It takes many different forms,
ranging from non-institutionalized political participation to
demonstrations and protests, and addresses issues as diverse as
climate change, economic reforms, gender equality and LGBTQ

rights. The young generation is firmly at the vanguard of social
change. There is little doubt that it will be the catalyst for change
and a source of critical momentum for the Great Reset.

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