Dolly Parton said ‘eat the rich’ in the ’80s. Well, not so much in those words. The country music singer’s classic hit ‘9 to 5’ explores the institution of capitalism and the exploitation of workers. And after all these years, this song is notably relevant. Somewhat a proletariat anthem, the song does a better job of re-telling the fate of trickle-down economics than any textbook. The song goes on to talk about the stagnant work-life balance, the vulgar income disparity and also emphasizes the mundane situation of the workers have been stuck in for ages.
Half a decade, and half a dozen economic recessions later, the world is currently facing the biggest threat to humanity- the climate crisis. The future remains bleak with half of humanity’s lives at stake. Yet, for the upper faction of the society, this event is merely a blip in the grand scheme of life. With the glaring economic inequality, they have crafted and supported over the years, their existence is devoid of the harsh realities that have been faced by the majority. And if you’d like to have a glimpse of what the 1% enjoys, there’s a website where you could get a sneak-peek at what spending Bill Gates’ money might feel like, whether you want to buy yachts, NFL teams or better yet, a rocket or a couple hundred rockets. While it doesn’t debit money from your account nor are the objects ‘bought’ tangible; it’s all about figures, how outrageously can you spend 90 billion dollars?
While the top-tier is busy hoarding wealth, in the name of the free-market system; the people at the bottom of the barrel have had to pay the price. Struggling with monthly groceries, debts, health care facilities and living paycheck to paycheck, their existence is merely devoted by the idea of getting by. The ludicrous idea of ‘stability’ has turned into a quasi-reality for the majority of masses. The very fabric of the society built on the idea of the widening disparity which has contributed to the theoretical and very physical wall between the classes. To top it all off, the climate crisis has been unequivocally affecting the working class disproportionately. With diseases, epidemics and deaths witnessed in the past few decades have been a forecast for what’s in store for mankind in the coming years.
With millennials and gen Z bearing the brunt of late-stage capitalism setting in, people like the eight-year-old climate activist, Licypriya Kangujam reflect the looming anger of young people. This Manipuri activist makes it clear that she wants her voice and story heard. In a tweet, the young activist rejects the title of ‘India’s Greta Thunberg’. And, she makes it known that such a label is an erasure of her representation and story. And on media’s part, it is lazy reportage. Her movement, ‘Bachpan Bachao Andolan’ kickstarted at the UN event in 2018 to urge world leaders to take immediate action against the climate crisis.
Young adults across the country have been vocal about dissent. They’ve taken over public and digital spaces to unanimously express their concern over the current state of affairs. The chant, ‘Azaadi’ echoing on the streets with students participating in sit-down and marches to keep the movement going. These articulate young’ uns understand the gravity of the situation, and they’ve come equipped with facts and data to back-up their claims.
With the bizarre state of Indian politics, the Gen Z is in it for the long haul. They have been consistent and persistent to push their narrative; front and centre. Twitter handles, Instagram pages and Reddit forums dedicated to discussing and educating the users. With the steadfast process of mobilizing information; this generation has been meticulously promulgating intelligence to strengthen the movement. The unwavering effort, although noticed by the mainstream media, has yet to pick up momentum and garner support from policymakers and the masses to turn the tide.
