By Mark McCrindleMonday 5 Sep 2022NewsReading Time: 3 minutes
In a society of increasingly diverse worldviews and beliefs, Australians are recognising diversity by listening to others, particularly when they have differing worldviews from their own.
According to Mainstreet Insights 1, seven in ten (69 per cent) Australians strongly/somewhat agree that they actively listen to other people’s beliefs and opinions, even when they differ from their own.
This highlights the great Aussie spirit of comradery which requires listening and learning from others to achieve greater connection.
Gen Z (people born between 1995 and 2009) have grown up in more diverse communities. As a result, this young generation is leading the way with listening.
Gen Z are the most likely to say they actively listen to others’ beliefs, compared with other generations (75 per cent of Gen Z; 71 per cent Gen Y, 68 per cent Gen X, 63 per cent Baby Boomers, 64 per cent Builders).
Gen Z are also more likely to actively seek out news sites and social media posts of information containing differing opinions, as they believe it is important for building better understanding and connection (57 per cent of Gen Z; 49 per cent Gen Y, 43 per cent Gen X, 38 per cent Baby Boomers, 28 per cent Builders).
Such a finding highlights this young generation’s curiosity as they grow and learn.
What do we think of Cancel Culture?
Cancel Culture can be defined as boycotting a brand or person after they have done or said something considered objectionable. The term originated in 2017 and since has been present in Australian society3.
According to Mainstreet Insights, almost seven in ten (68 per cent) Australians disagree (strongly/somewhat/slightly) with “Cancel Culture”. This highlights a sense of compassion Australians are inspired to extend to others, regardless of their actions.
Screen-based devices and the internet are where Cancel Culture began. However, even as Gen Z are likely to be on their devices more than others, they do use screens as a key source to learn about others.
Gen Z more likely to self-censor due to Cancel Culture
Gen Z are more likely to strongly/somewhat agree that the rise of Cancel Culture has meant they are increasingly self-censoring when and with whom they share their opinions (40 per cent of Gen Z; 37 per cent Gen Y, 27 per cent Gen X, 21 per cent Baby Boomers, 21 per cent Builders).
Gen Z are also the generation more likely to hide their perspective on topical issues, because they are afraid of how people will respond (35 per cent of Gen Z; 33 per cent Gen Y, 21 per cent Gen X, 16 per cent Baby Boomers, 6 per cent Builders).
Gen Z are more likely to agree they have struggled to be their authentic self, for fear of judgement and exclusion (45 per cent of Gen Z; 32 per cent Gen Y, 24 per cent Gen X, 16 per cent Baby Boomers, 18 per cent Builders).
This hesitation to be themselves could perhaps stem from exposure to Cancel Culture, because they are most likely to be aware of the social consequences it brings.
Also, Gen Z’s hesitation highlights that humans are social beings and fear of rejection is primitive, especially if we believe belonging could come at the cost of having a differing opinion to another person.
It is no wonder then that the younger generations – who are consistently on their phones and see Cancel Culture happen (Gen Y and Gen Z) – agree it causes more harm than good (81 per cent of Gen Z and 77 per cent of Gen Y; 75 per cent Gen X, 69 per cent Baby Boomers, 67 per cent Builders).
Despite the concerns about Cancel Culture and the implications upon society, Australians have a good idea of what an accepting society looks like.
Three in five Australians (60 per cent) believe a tolerant society is one where people can actively share their beliefs and opinions.
It is important for Australians to share their beliefs, especially when they differ from others around them, to build connection and enhance a diverse society.
1 Mainstreet Insights, Cancel Culture and Acceptance in Australia, 2022
2 Mainstreet Insights, The Australian Screen Age, 2020
3 https://www.insider.com/cancel-culture-meaning-history-origin-phrase-used-negatively-2020-7
Article supplied with thanks to McCrindle.
About the Author: McCrindle are a team of researchers and communications specialists who discover insights, and tell the story of Australians – what we do, and who we are.
Feature image: Photo by Michael Dziedzic on Unsplash