One of the major stereotypes our generation faces is the belief that we are unaware of the things going on in the world, and that we don’t make an effort to become educated on such matters. This is why I took my first photo of my younger brother, reading The Boston Globe, on his laptop. This photo is intended to contradict said idea, as my brother reads the news online every day, and is incredibly interested in being aware, which I know is true for many others in our generation. Being on our phones does not equate to being unaware, and our technology and access to media are often what help increase our awareness.

My second photo is of a water bottle, because Generation Z is often perceived as having a constant want for fun and partying. All kids our age are expected to be smoking and drinking, because that is the image that adults and the media put out. This photo of a water bottle is a symbol for those who aren’t a part of that scene, and yet are still placed under such a category. We are all given a bad reputation regardless of what we actually do because it is what adults and society expect of us.

Finally, I’ve seen that many people of our generation are deemed as lazy, sloppy, and overall unmotivated. This is why I decided to have my last photo be a picture of my bed, which I make as soon as I get up every morning. It is an important part of my day, and I love walking by a clean room when I get home. So while all stereotypes are generally derived from some truth, they’re also not to be seen as the defining characteristics of our generation, or any others. Generation Z has many positive things to offer that stand aside from these stereotypes, which are rarely acknowledged. These should be the things people see as the outstanding aspects of our generation, but it is easier for the media and the world to focus on everything we’re doing wrong.