In the evolving landscape of generational dynamics, Africa is not left behind to the tensions that arise between older and younger generations. Baby Boomers, who grew up in the aftermath of colonialism and witnessed the birth of many African nations, find themselves at odds with Generation Z and young millennials, the tech-savvy and globally connected cohort born roughly between 1984 and 2012. The friction between these two groups stems from a variety of cultural, economic, social and political factors. In Kenya, a country in the Eastern part of Africa, today, the world is witnessing a surge of protests led by the young generation, marked by their vigor and determination to bring societal, political and economic reforms in their country. To them, there is need for political accountability and anti-corruption efforts, as the country has grappled with systemic corruption for decades, which has undermined public trust in government institutions and hindered socioeconomic progress. The young people-led movement, which term themselves as leaderless and tribeless, in a country of over 42 tribes have emerged to challenge corrupt practices and to demand transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership from political leaders, religious leaders and public officials, who majority are boomers and Gen X. This has sparked a big debate which has divided many in the different generations. To some boomers and Gen X, Gen-Z are a bunch of lazy young people, spending their time in the internet instead of working hard. For others, Gen-Z are the future and should be allowed to write the rules of their future. According to Gen-Z, the old generation screwed up, they are still screwing up and will still screw up if not stopped.
Looking deeper into this, we identify major factors that divide the two generations with each of the gen giving their take on the factors.
Cultural Shifts and Traditions
One of the primary sources of tension lies in cultural shifts and the changing landscape of traditions. Baby Boomers view Generation Z as detached from African traditional values and customs that have been integral to African societies for centuries. The rapid adoption of Western lifestyles, values, and technology among Generation Z is seen as a threat to the preservation of cultural heritage by the older generation. This clash often manifests in disagreements over language use, dress codes, and societal norms, causing Baby Boomers to perceive Generation Z as disrespectful, arrogant, indiscipline and lacking morals.
“This generation has no morals. How do you disrespect a President, a leader chosen by God? During our time, nobody would talk about the president. The president was respected. These ones of today just talk, they will say anything. They don’t respect leaders, they don’t respect churches, they don’t respect anyone. They will not give you way or a seat, even the very old and pregnant,” said a boomer.
“We will call them out. What respect does an old thief demand? Things have changed and we should all be at peace with that reality. The world is now a global village. We can’t compare the past with the present or the present with the future. The syllabus they used is not the syllabus we are using. They had no internet, no freedom, they believed whatever they were told and lived by it, they can’t force us to live by that. We question, we reason and we listen too, but absorb what makes sense. We can’t just jump because someone said jump. We must embrace change, it is inevitable,” said a Gen-Z.
Economic Disparities and Opportunities
Economic disparities also play a significant role in the strained relationship between Baby Boomers and Generation Z. Many Baby Boomers endured economic hardships during their formative years, striving for stability and economic independence in the aftermath of colonial rule. In contrast, Generation Z is growing up in a world with more access to education and technology but also faces a highly competitive job market and economic uncertainty. Baby Boomers may view Generation Z as entitled or lacking in work ethic due to their different experiences and expectations regarding career paths and financial stability.
“We worked hard to be where we are. This generation lacks patience. They don’t want to work hard. I have been painting houses for 28 years, whatever you’re seeing me doing now. I have built in the village, I have some cows, I have a family and I am educating my children. All from what you can see me doing now. It’s the work of my hands. The young people you see around here will hate my work; they don’t want to it. But will protest demanding for this and that, from the government, and still destroy what we have built for years. Why would a parent educate a child just for them to die in town protesting? And they call them heroes? That my hero is lying here, in a grave? Personally, I am very angry. These people were given free education by the government, and they are now mistreating the same government and disrespecting the king.” Said a Gen-X working in a construction site.
“The goal is to survive, make a living and try build a better future. We don’t have opportunities like they had in past. A class 7 graduate would become a teacher then. We can’t compare the past and now. Actually, the older generation screwed up. They messed our country. I still don’t understand at what point, my grandpa ended with nothing while we have very many billionaires here. They either allowed our resources to be stolen by a few, or they were lazy. They allowed capitalism. You don’t have to work hard if you have an option of working smart. The goal is the bag. The narrative of working hard with your hands and such is just noise in my ears. Why did we go to school then?” said a young millennial.
Political and Social Change
The rapid pace of political and social change in Africa has further contributed to the generation gap. Baby Boomers often reminisce about the struggles for independence and the fight against colonialism. They believe in tribes and regions for political formations and leadership with a believe that with a tribesman in government, the entire tribe’s interests will well be represented, something that the young generation strongly oppose.
“The government needs to have a face of Kenya with all tribes represented, but most especially, the big tribes need more positions for enough representation. We feel good when we see the president appointed a good number of our people in government to represent us. We gave him a lot of votes. We cannot allow those who voted elsewhere to get more shares, as our fighter says. The young generation should not be used by some people to cause problems to our leaders, let us allow them work. We should respect our leaders and let them show us directions.” Said a boomer.
“The young people have decided to define the rules of their future. We defined our rules and we lived by them. The rules are not working for them. Whatever the rules we are making going forward, it is for their future. So, we should listen to them and guide them in making the rules of the future they want.” Said a Nairobi City Lawyer.
“I have very unkind words when it comes to politics and the old generation. I think I have almost zero regards for them. Most of them are ignorant politically, thanks to illiteracy. What do you mean my tribe? I come from a region where 3 of the 5 presidents come from. There is no difference that that has done to my life. I am struggling in Nairobi City like many others. I have schooled in Nairobi with many different tribes and we are just the same. Same problems, same struggles and we need the same solutions. So, we team up and define our political future.” Said a young millennial.
Communication and Technological Divide
Perhaps the most pronounced difference between Baby Boomers and Generation Z lies in their use and understanding of technology. Baby Boomers may struggle to adapt to the rapid advancements in digital communication and social media embraced by Generation Z. This technological gap can lead to frustration and alienation on both sides, with Baby Boomers feeling left behind and Generation Z perceiving older generations as out of touch or resistant to change.
“This technology thing has destroyed our children. They are trying to overthrow the government using technology. They meet in some apps and arrange things that even government doesn’t know. They don’t even work, they are always in their phones and computers making money which makes them lazy. They don’t know real struggle. They are always on phone even when you are talking to them. They know everything because they just google.” said an older Gen X
“Generation Z are the birds one. These ones have the madness of university. They just use technology to know where you are, where you live, your children and all the details of you. They can even withdraw your money from bank without knowing. I love them with their madness because they know what they want” said a famous City Bishop.
From our observations, the tensions between Baby Boomers and Generation Z are rooted in cultural, economic, political and technological differences that reflect broader societal changes. By fostering empathy, open communication, and respect for each other’s unique experiences, societies can harness the collective wisdom and energy of both generations to navigate the complexities of the modern world and pave the way for a more harmonious future, and since the future belongs to the younger generation, why not let them write their rules, they will reap the fruits or suffer the repercussions.
