In an era seemingly dominated by the glitz and glamor of celebrity worship, a counterintuitive notion is emerging: we are witnessing the twilight of traditional mass celebrity culture. As generation Z comes of age amidst crumbling monocultures and fractured media landscapes, a new political ethos is taking shape—one that defies easy categorization and signals a tectonic shift in societal values.
The Misunderstood Generation
Pundits have long struggled to pin down Gen Z’s political leanings, cycling through contradictory narratives. Were they the progressive vanguard poised to save democracy, or an internet-poisoned cohort succumbing to far-right ideologies? The truth, as always, proves more nuanced.
Gen Z defies generalization precisely because they have come of age in an era of cultural fragmentation. The shared touchstones that once defined generations—from must-see TV to late-night political satire—have given way to a kaleidoscope of niche interests and echo chambers. In this splintered landscape, broad generalizations inevitably fall short.
The Backlash Against Celebrity Worship
Even as Hollywood blockbusters and pop superstars still command attention, an undercurrent of mistrust and fatigue is palpable among younger generations. Viral campaigns urging TikTok users to snub influencers and the tepid impact of celebrity political endorsements hint at a growing disillusionment with the wealthy and famous.
The youth, at least, increasingly feel this way. They cannot be told to stop with their Luigi memes as anger at institutions continues to build.
Ross Barkan
This “personality exhaustion,” as writer Mo Diggs terms it, reflects a deeper suspicion of elites and traditional power structures. In an age of stark inequality and institutional failures, the sheen of celebrity has lost its luster for many.
The Rise of the Anti-Influencer
Enter Luigi Mangione—the alleged killer of a healthcare CEO and an unlikely online folk hero. Mangione’s case has ignited an unprecedented outpouring of support that transcends partisan lines, with even staunch conservatives facing backlash for denouncing the murder. This fervor, more than a cult of personality, reflects a deep-seated anger at entrenched institutions.
In Mangione, disillusioned youth see not just a rebellious icon, but an avatar of their discontent. The zeal for this anti-influencer signals a hunger for figures who openly defy the status quo, heralding a potential new breed of political outsiders.
The Battle Lines of Tomorrow
As traditional left-right dichotomies blur, the defining clashes of the coming decade may instead pit those inside and outside the establishment against each other. The surging mistrust in institutions, exemplified by the Mangione phenomenon, could fuel populist waves that upend political orthodoxies.
In this turbulent landscape, even figures like Donald Trump—once heralded as the ultimate disruptor—may find themselves on the wrong side of an anti-establishment groundswell. The yearning for a new order, visceral and unapologetic, shows no signs of abating.
Ultimately, Gen Z’s political ethos serves as a harbinger of transformative change. As the old guard withers and traditional power centers decay, the battle lines are being redrawn. The path forward may be uncharted and the destination uncertain, but one thing remains clear: business as usual is no longer an option. In the brave new world that emerges, adaptability and authenticity will be the currencies of influence.
