COMMENTARY: Generation Z is the Battleground

November 21, 2025

The article examines how Generation Z has become a crucial ideological battleground as they prepare to become America's largest living generation, following millennials who surpassed baby boomers in 2016. Conservative and extremist organizations like the Proud Boys and Turning Point USA are actively recruiting Gen Z members through billboards, campus chapters, and social media, using appealing language about faith and freedom to mask white supremacist ideologies. The author notes that while Gen Z demonstrates strong social activism on issues like climate change and racial justice, right-wing groups have built sophisticated grassroots infrastructure targeting young people.

Who is affected

Generation Z individuals (born after 1996, currently teens and young adults)
Students at Central Community High School in Clinton County, Illinois
Millennials (born 1981-1996, aged 29-44 in 2025)
Parents and families of Gen Z youth
Communities of color
Local officials and state leaders in Illinois
High school, college, and university students nationwide where Turning Point USA has chapters

What action is being taken

The Proud Boys are recruiting teenagers through roadside billboards and local phone numbers
Turning Point USA is operating over 900 college chapters on campuses nationwide
Parents, local officials, and state leaders are condemning extremist group presence
Extremist groups are using persuasive messaging and attempting to rebrand themselves in mainstream ways
Gen Z activists are engaging in social activism on issues like climate change, racial justice, and gun control

Why it matters

This matters because Generation Z will soon become America's largest living generation, giving them significant political and social influence over the nation's future direction. With unprecedented access to digital tools and social media, young people have amplified voices in shaping policy and cultural values. The outcome of ideological competition for Gen Z loyalty will determine whether future society embraces inclusivity and justice or moves toward extremism and white supremacy, affecting generations to come.

What's next

The article concludes with the author's opinion that communities of color need to create a similar grassroots network focused on young people to counter conservative recruitment efforts, but this is presented as a recommendation rather than a concrete plan. No explicit next steps stated in the article.

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint