Does Generation Z Hate America?

So you might read the title of this post and say something "what? of course not, how could you say such a thing". Now, while this might be somewhat of an exaggeration, there is a notable difference in opinion towards the feeling of patriotism in America. I believe that the current generation does not place nearly as much importance in fulfilling their civic duty as an American, or outwardly displaying their pride in being an American, as say a member of generation Z. 

As an example, I recently attended a meeting for election workers, the people that work at the polling places on election day, as I felt it was my civic duty to at least be informed about one way I could serve my country. As I thought, I was the only person who was under the age of retirement. And while it is completely understandable, that people my age work during the day or attend classes as I do as well, but many schools and employers understand that civic duty is also important, and usually allow time off for such an event. 

Wow, this alone may not cause me to say something like Gen Z hates America”, there are many other factors that I have witnessed that has caused me to ponder this particular statement. I’ve noticed that my generation is particularly notorious for pointing out all of the negative things about the country, which are for the most part accurate, but not enough to cause me to slander the country that I love. 

Yes, like many things, America does have its fair share of problems and perhaps it is not the America that previous generations grew up with (More on that in another post), but it is still the land we call home and it deserves our loyalty and respect.