Journalists have for a long time relied on specific terminology and words in storytelling. But with the emergence of Generation Z movement, some of these buzzwords have become a double-edged sword.
This, especially, follows uproar from the youth who view some of these words with much more skepticism than the older generation.
Gen Z has demanded for unbiased reporting, sincerity, clarity and objectivity in reporting. For Kenyan journalists, it has even become clearer than ever with feedback received from reporting on the recent protests.
To steer away from the risk of alienating young audiences, this article prompts a critical examination of language in journalism. It also explores how certain phrases, once deemed effective, are now stumbling blocks in connecting with this generation that values genuine communication.
Also Read: Journalists Issue 10 Demands Ahead of Nationwide Protests
Buzzwords Rejected by Gen Z Over Protests
Anti Government – This phrase has been used on several accounts to refer to ongoing Gen Z led protests across the country. However, many media platforms have received backlash from Kenyans who have termed it as wrong wording.
Instead, they have consistently asked members of the fourth estate to refer to the protests as anti- corruption, anti-oppression or even pro- people protests.
“It is not ANTI-GOVERNMENT. It is ANTI-CORRUPTION, ANTI-TRIBALISM protests. We are not against government. We are against bad governance,” Mercy Tarus stated in response to a news engagement.
“These have never been anti-government protests please. I don’t know how many times we need to tell you this. These were anti-corruption, anti-oppression and pro-good governance and pro-people protests,” Words Linger added on X.
Goons – The word has been used to refer to individuals who have been disrupting protests in various parts of the country by looting businesses and burning establishments.
However, prominent politicians have been recorded using it as an umbrella word to refer to Gen Zs who have been protesting in the streets.
The use of the word ‘goons’ while referring to protestors has been rejected by a section of Kenyans and some consumers of digital content citing its misuse.
Second Batch of Rejected Words
Died – In regard to the protest, this word has received backlash because of underrepresenting events. Several articles and content online have been published indicating that individuals died during protests.
However, Gen Zs want the media and journalists as a whole to indicate that they were ‘killed’ as a result of police brutality.
They have said that the more than 50 individuals who lost their lives did not just die by natural causes during the protests.
“They did not die, they were killed,” Steve Mwanza stated in response to another media article.
Anarchy – Anarchism is a political philosophy and movement that is against all forms of authority and seeks to abolish the institutions it claims maintain unnecessary coercion and hierarchy, typically including the state and capitalism.
Several politicians including the head of state have used this word to refer to protestors, or individuals alleged to be funding protests.
Gen Zs have indicated that this illegitimizes the ongoing protests, taking away the true meaning of the reason for the demonstrations.
Criminals– The ‘We are Not Criminals’ hashtag used by journalists while protesting against the use of force by police officer during protests was questioned by several users online.
While journalists indicated that they were protesting against police brutality and media censorship, some users online responded that it was the wrong phrase to use.
Several individuals stated that the phrase claimed that Journalists ought not be treated in a special way unlike protestors who were brutalised in the streets.
“So y’all think the youth demonstrating for betterment of the country are criminals or what kind of hashtag is that?” Foi T stated.
“Shoot not the messenger is a bit insensitive given how many peaceful protesters have been killed. Who are you suggesting they shoot? Y’all need better messaging,” X user Sofwaraj stated.
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