In the 1700s, white and gray wigs were all the rage in the US government. While that is an iconic fashion statement, it is a relic of the past, and our government age structure is equally outdated. America needs new leadership, one decorated with mullets and multicolored hair.
In the 1960s, the baby boomers bloomed. Young people mobilized, aiding sit-ins and peaceful protests that led to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. When moral objections rose over the Vietnam War, anti-war protests and media coverage altered the domestic perspective, and led to a withdrawal from the war. These liberal social movements and acts of federal power triggered a conservative movement. The “silent majority” was the Grand Old Party, or GOP, and they were unhappy with profound changes, giving rise to the “New Right” with Young Americans for Freedom and increasing popularity for Richard Nixon. Whatever the political stance, the people’s involvement led to legislative changes, the withdrawal from war and growing political careers.
However, political participation shrank in the 90s, when Gen X mainly checked out. This cultural shift began when the Boomers’ golden days deflated, the 30-year gap harboring consequences such as the Watergate scandal, “tough on crime” policies, the Welfare Act dismantled aspects of the New Deal, and cynicism was embraced. The voting age population (VAP) turnout dropped from 56.3% in 1992 to 49.8% in 1996. Leaning into political nihilism, there was a growth in MTV, punk, metal and satire comedy shows. While these became statements of its own, the government continued building its political infrastructure, continuing the conservative movement.
Now in the 2020s, Gen Z inherited these crumbling foundations, forced to enter adulthood with student debt, healthcare limits, outdated climate policies and changing social policies. Additionally, issues regarding modern technology, polarized media and divisive government. These disasters were pushed through without the presence or thought of younger generations, and the repercussions were forced onto Gen Z’s shoulders.
While Gen Z is aware of political events, we’re in the 21st century surrounded by screens, resulting in doomscrolling, pestering notifications and AI. We’ve developed a lack of interest in politics, a fear of missing out on moments, forcing a need to seek likes and replicating Pinterest board photos, and sharing idiotic teenage mistakes for laughs. This takes priority over future events, for living in the now allows for ignorance of our future.
In 2024, there was a wake-up call. An uprising of young Republicans, fueled with campus organizations, podcasts, media content and political engagement, revealed opportunities for shaping political outcomes. These activities partially led to the success of President Trump’s reelection.
Elections don’t just impact who we call President, it’s also impact school boards, state legislators, and ballot measures. Vote in every election, work on campaigns or with organizations, create social media profiles, and organize community events.
The founding fathers, young men themselves, have set up America to be “for the people,” taking the opportunity to grow and develop a new political office, one that adopts new perspectives and true representation. America should follow the path of the wigs, honoring the bygone eras, and embrace curls, mullets, and multicolored hair.
