I recently was in a crowded bar with some of my Gen Z friends talking about light topics such as the future of politics in the United States. During this conversation I stumbled on three road blocks that kept my friends from wanting to engage with the political body, particularly on a local level. This prompted me to dig a little deeper into why it has become so hard to galvanize the conservative youth, and what I found reflected my friends’ concerns. It was due to a preference of national topics, political cynicism, and fear.
This is nothing new for voters, but the Internet and a dominant Leftist culture has left my generation jaded in a unique way. In my last article, I wrote about our calling as Gen Zers to “take on the plow” and to “not look back.” I understand the concerns my friends and many others have, but America has been handed a unique position to fight back.
I keep hearing about President Trump’s mandate, and while that certainly is important, it does not lift the responsibility and burden we have as individuals. The hard part is done; the glass ceiling shattered. If we don’t act and seize the moment, then everything Gen Z fought for will be unwound. If that happens, the Left will be sure to hold on to power much tighter the second time around. With that said, I’d like to dig a little deeper into those previously mentioned concerns.
National Interest
The issues that take up the headspace of most people are based on national headlines and Gen Z is no exception. With raging fires in California, wars abroad, and confirmation hearings for cabinet picks, it’s easy to forget about the politics revolving around your local community.
But when you look at the criticism about the handling of the California fires, it has fallen mostly on the state and local leadership and their mismanagement of departments and resources. It’s a tragic lesson, but a lesson nonetheless.
We so easily forget that the national issues; transgenderism, freedom of speech, indoctrination, are all first handled locally. Take the Supreme Court’s pending decision on the banning of “gender-affirming” surgeries for children as an example. The work and courage of Tennessee locals is what led to the hearing and national headlines in the first place.
It’s not always the prettiest area of politics, particularly when you are inundated with hundreds of news stories from across the world. Any desire for political action is therefore drawn to the viral, hot-topic issues, making it that much harder to deal with the problems right outside our door. But the simple reality is that in order to “take up the plow” nationally, we must first look to our neighborhood, to our county, and to our state.
I’m reminded of a quote by Brandon Sanderson in his magnum opus, The Stormlight Archives:
“The most important step a man can take. It isn’t the first one, is it? It’s the next one. Always the next step.”
Cynicism
Many across the political spectrum feel that they have been burned by the government one too many times. They have decided that simply disconnecting from the political scene due to a nihilistic belief that nothing matters is the best and only solution. I understand the frustration. We are up against the massive, ugly swamp monster that is our bureaucratic state. Nonetheless, giving up or giving in is the alternative, and the recent election shows that that is not the answer we are looking for. In the face of insurmountable odds, we as a people stood our ground.
When it feels like you are taking on the battle all alone, remember this; throughout your life, there was always “just one” person who made all the difference: one father, one teacher, one friend. They took a step into the unknown for your sake. Now it’s our turn, our fight. Loudoun County needs to see that there is a strong coalition of young conservatives who will not back down against overwhelming odds.
Fear
You might agree that it’s worth taking a stand for these issues but still feel weary about the prospect of activism. One of my friends has cited the disillusioned college campus riots in support of a terrorist regime as a reason why he doesn’t want to engage with any politics. It’s the fear of being seen in the same light as these protesters: spoiled, obnoxious, and miseducated.
Once again, I understand this concern. I fear that we as Gen Z are a vocal generation, but not a very active generation. We seek to burn; not caring what is built in its place. This is a far cry from what activism should be.
A huge problem with the Left’s protests is that the content of the message gets lost in the delivery. The story isn’t about the “dangers of climate change”; it’s instead about a group of vandalizers trying to destroy the Constitution in the National Archives. These “activists” try to tear everything down around them in a fit of misguided rage. This is not what I am calling on. We are calling for a message of truth, common sense, and unity. That message takes precedent to the kind of ego that allows protestors to demand food and water from those they are protesting against.
The fear of association with the Left’s activists cannot keep us from the “plow”. We cannot be shackled by the fear of being something we aren’t. Stonewall Jackson once said “never take counsel of your fears.” This is not the impossible call to remove your fear outright, but to not let it sway your decision. The failure on the Left does not discredit the need for strong conservative activism.
Conclusion
Do not forget that one man truly can make the difference. One county can stir the nation. As Gen Z, we cannot forget the strength and power of our voice. It can feel lonely to stand up for your beliefs. Thankfully, the tide is turning and the world is there for the taking.
We have many complaints as a generation, but they mean nothing when paired with inaction. Join me in taking up the plow as we work to shape and build the community of our future.
Nathan Lippincott is a Gen Z resident of Loudoun County.
