Renowned historian Victor Davis Hanson has issued a stark warning about the future of Generation Z, suggesting they are on track to become the 21st century's equivalent of the 'Lost Generation.' In a penetrating analysis, Hanson outlines the complex social and economic forces trapping young adults, particularly males, in a prolonged state of adolescence.
The Plight of the Modern Zoomer
Defined as those roughly between 13 and 28 years old, Gen Z, or 'Zoomers,' came of age amidst smartphones and rapid cultural change. Hanson observes that males in their teens and twenties are prolonging adolescence, frequently avoiding marriage, home ownership, and full-time employment. The negative stereotype portrays a shiftless man, overly dependent on parents and immersed in video games, while a more sympathetic view reveals a generation facing unprecedented challenges.
Systemic Hurdles and Social Alienation
From an early age, Hanson argues, young men have been systematically demonized for 'toxic masculinity', facing accusations of sexism and racism throughout their education. This scapegoating continues into higher education, where white males constitute a tiny minority at elite institutions like Stanford and the Ivy League, making up only 9% to 10% of recent admittees.
Traditional pathways to a stable adulthood have crumbled. Affordable housing, secure careers, and safe communities have become elusive due to overregulation, high taxes, and inadequate policing. Meanwhile, campus activism focused on climate change and DEI often ignores practical life goals like career-building and family formation.
The Collapse of Dating and the Burden of Debt
Hanson identifies a profound confusion around relationships and sexuality. Gen Z men appear bewildered by modern dating rules, where popular culture promotes sexual liberation while simultaneously enforcing a new Victorianism that places blame disproportionately on men. This has led many to withdraw from dating entirely, fearing accusations of misconduct.
Financially, the situation is equally dire. For the half of Gen Z that pursued college, they often face crippling student debt for degrees deemed nearly worthless by employers. Soaring tuition, bloated administrations, and a fixation on race over merit have left many Zoomers unemployed or underemployed, saddled with five-figure loans and few prospects.
A Path Forward for a Foundering Generation
Hanson proposes several solutions to reintegrate this lost generation into the mainstream. He calls for an end to DEI hectoring, a return to evaluating individuals based on class rather than race, and a restoration of sanity in gender relations. He also demands radical reform in higher education, suggesting universities should use their endowments to guarantee student loans and must drastically reduce their parasitic administrative class.
Furthermore, society must re-evaluate what confers status. Skilled tradespeople, such as electricians and mechanics, should be valued as noble professionals, often more so than those with vaporous bachelor's degrees. Finally, incentivizing home construction is critical to addressing the affordability crisis.
The historian concludes with a sobering thought: If the lost Gen Z is not found soon, the result for everyone will not be pretty.
