Generation Z Mexico, a youth group that emerged on platforms such as Discord, Instagram and TikTok, has made itself known for calling a march on November 15.
The group uses the “Straw Hat” flag from the anime One Piece as a symbol and identifies itself as a non-partisan movement, without official spokespersons or visible leaders, inspired by international social movements, such as the uprisings in Nepal.
READ | Generation Z March in Guadalajara: Schedule and route
The group, made up of young people born between 1997 and 2012, has shown internal fragmentationaccording to users on social networks. An example was the November 8 march in Mexico City, considered by some to be the group’s first official demonstration, where approximately 300 people participated.according to SSC figures, and it was emphasized that the protest had no ties to any political party.
The call for November 15 generates controversy
Internet users and members of Generation Z denounce that the mobilization is being influenced by interests of parties opposed to the Federal Governmentwith the support of PAN and PRI militants, as well as public figures related to the opposition.
During the promotion of the march, Artificial Intelligence and social media accounts have been used, mainly on X (formerly Twitter), to amplify the message.
Some of the original young people of the movement maintain that the new protest seeks to co-opt the identity of the group, while sympathizers of the movement reiterate that their participation will be voluntary and peaceful, and they distance themselves from any possible infiltration that could generate unrest.
The authorities shielded the National Palace with metal fences before the day of demonstrations that began this Thursday by the CNTE and a group called Generation Z. SUN / F. RPJAS
The march is planned as a “National March”, with meeting points in several cities in the country, while the CDMX Government has installed fences in the National Palace and other historic sites as a preventive measure against possible acts of vandalism.
For its part, Political figures such as President Claudia Sheinbaum have questioned the authenticity of the movementpointing out the proliferation of fake accounts and the participation of external political actors, while other figures from the opposition have publicly promoted the mobilization.
The march on November 15 reflects a moment of tension and debate about the authenticity, political influence and digital organization of Generation Z in Mexico, which combines youth activism, social networks and questions about their independence from external actors.
EE