What Do You Think ?: Gen Z Voices on Dissent

Interviews by: Vedant Gunda

Edited By: Iniya J

Graphic Design By: Vedant Gunda

What does it mean to dissent today? Six Gen Z voices share what dissent, protest, and standing by their beliefs mean to them. 

Would you stand up and be unpopular if that were the cost of voicing what you believe?

Ayana, 18, Christ University:

"Yes, I think I would. There are certainly instances where it is easier to remain silent because it helps one avoid conflict. With that being said, there are certain instances where I am going to speak out on my beliefs because they matter to me, especially if other people are going to be affected. Being unpopular for some time is better than being dishonest and lying to fit into the majority."

Trisha, 18, Christ University:

"Yes, I would be. It often happens that some of the most interesting discussions arise when people challenge commonly held views. And while people may not agree with me, at least they know what my stance is and why I think the way I do."

Mohit, 18, Christ University:

"I think it would depend on the issue, but if the issues involved fairness, equality or somebody's rights, then yes. Popularity doesn't really play a role here in my opinion – sometimes you need to do the right thing even if it means that not everybody will like it."

Risha, 18, Christ University:

"I'd rather stick to what I believe in than change my opinion for the sake of getting other people's approval. However, I will take into account their point of view and listen to the discussions, yet the fear of criticism shouldn't prevent me from expressing my opinion openly."

Krishna, 19, PES University:

"I would take the risk because many significant social transformations have emerged from the actions of those who have been unpopular at first. Society would not develop if everyone said things that are comfortable to say."

Daksh, 20, Erasmus University Rotterdam:

"Having studied in a multicultural environment, I know that it's natural to disagree. In my opinion, it's necessary to be able to support your opinion politely, even if it's an unpopular one, because discussion is an essential element of knowledge acquisition."

Who determines whether a protest is legitimate or not?

Ayana, 18, Christ University:

"I do not believe any single party can do that. Governments, institutes, and the general public will have different perspectives. A protest can be considered legitimate if individuals are peacefully voicing out their issues about the particular topic."

Trisha, 18, Christ University:

"In my opinion, legitimacy depends on both the nature of the cause and the manner of the protest. Individuals have the right to express themselves but not at the cost of harming other individuals in the process."

Mohit, 18, Christ University:

"Some of the protests are termed as illegitimate just because they challenge the powerful institutions. This is why it becomes essential to consider the cause of the protest."

Risha, 18, Christ University:

"I feel a protest gains its legitimacy only if it's addressing a genuine issue and people are exercising their rights in a responsible manner. The message being conveyed by the protesters may not be acceptable for everyone, but that doesn't make the protest illegitimate."

Krishna,19, PES University:

"It shouldn't be one particular body that solely decides what qualifies as legitimacy. In a democracy, everybody's voice needs to be heard out. What matters is if the protest leads to awareness and debate and not fear."

Daksh, 20, Erasmus University Rotterdam:

"Legitimate protests usually provide a forum for those who feel neglected. The law is an important factor, but so is the participation of people in public discourse."

Would you rather be heard or be safe?

Ayana, 18, Christ University:

"In an ideal situation, people need not make a choice between being heard and being safe. But if the matter at hand was something serious that affected a lot of people, I would like my views to be heard."

Trisha, 18, Christ University:

"If by being quiet, I was letting myself go along with the flow even though I knew that the flow itself wasn't right, then I would have no option but to be heard."

Mohit, 18, Christ University:

"Being safe is one thing, but being quiet can also be dangerous at times. If my saying something could help solve a huge problem, then I would have no choice."

Risha, 18, Christ University:

"Being heard is preferable to silence because change starts when someone feels motivated to speak out even after weighing the potential dangers involved. However, I do not feel like any person should unnecessarily expose himself to danger."

Krishna, 19, PES University:

"There should be a middle path between the two. It must be acceptable for people to speak without any fear, but if one were to make a choice, then it should be hearing one’s voice on matters that count."

Daksh, 20, Erasmus University Rotterdam:

"Advancement in communication technology has made speaking up without exposing oneself to any harm easier. However, if one were to make a choice, then I would prefer being heard on certain issues."

What is one view which you will stick to even if everyone around you disagrees?

Ayana, 18, Christ University:

"I would stick to the view that academic marks are not a measure of a person’s worthiness. There are numerous factors which affect success, such as creativity, empathy, and persistence, among others."

Trisha, 18, Christ University:

"I believe that everyone deserves another chance and should not be judged forever based on their past actions. People have a right to learn and develop."

Mohit, 18, Christ University:

"I would stand firm in the view that everyone is entitled to equal chances in life. The matter of effort and talent should come before the question of origin."

Risha, 18, Christ University:

"I am convinced that mental health issues are as important as physical ones, and will argue about that even if everyone else would dismiss the idea."

Krishna, 19, PES University:

"From my perspective, success is a very personal thing and therefore can only be determined by an individual himself/herself. Everybody has different aspirations in life and all of them are equally valid."

Daksh, 20, Erasmus University Rotterdam:

"In my point of view, diversity makes any community more robust. Even if everybody else shared the same perspective as mine, I would still defend the right to disagree respectfully."

What would make you join a protest?

Ayana, 18, Christ University:

"Provided that it is about defending people's rights or an issue which impacts a particular community directly, I would join the protests. In case people were treated unfairly, I would definitely support them."

Trisha, 18, Christ University:

"I would do so in case the concerns were not addressed despite all attempts to resolve the issue through dialogue and discussion. Sometimes protest is the only way to draw attention."

Mohit, 18, Christ University:

"In case of environmental issues, I would like to join the protests. As many decisions made at present may affect future generations, it seems vital for youth to take part in these discussions."

Risha, 18, Christ University:

"I would join in case I was truly convinced of the importance of the issue and in case I believed that there was a possibility to change something. Collective work always impresses."

Krishna, 19, PES University:

"I would be willing to join a protest if people were deprived of their right to address these concerns via legal means of communication. Peaceful protests may be efficient in such cases."

Daksh, 20, Erasmus University Rotterdam:

"Protests regarding education, equality, or climate action are the ones I would join”

At what point is a protest too much?

Ayana,18, Christ University:

"The protest is too much when innocent people are affected. It is important to focus on the issue that needs to be addressed and not on the other people."

Trisha,18, Christ University:

"At the moment the protest starts destroying something, there is a possibility that the destruction itself will become a bigger point to discuss than the issue."

Mohit,18, Christ University:

"I know that people get frustrated, but the violence never resolves anything. The protest is supposed to challenge an idea and a system and not put anyone's life in danger."

Risha,18, Christ University:

"It turns into something wrong when it starts creating fear and threat to those people who are not involved in the issue at all. Protest should be about the spread of awareness."

Krishna,19, PES University:

"If the way in which it is done totally distracts from the message, the protest becomes too much for me."

Daksh, 20, Erasmus University Rotterdam:

"The main goal of a protest is to attract attention to an issue; however, at the moment of losing this goal, it becomes less relevant”

WHAT DID WE HEAR? 

Being heard matters, but so does how we choose to speak. 

In short: speak up, stand your ground, but don't lose sight of why you're speaking.