Fight

by John Della Volpe, David Hogg (Foreword)

From John Della Volpe, the director of polling at the Harvard Institute of Politics, Fight is an exploration of Gen Z, the issues that matter most to them, and how they will shape the future.

9/11. The war on terror. Hurricane Katrina. The 2008 financial crisis. The housing crisis. The opioid epidemic. Mass school shootings. Global warming. The Trump presidency. COVID-19.

Since they were born, Generation Z (also known as "zoomers")―those born from the late 1990s to early 2000s―have been faced with an onslaught of turmoil, destruction and instability unprecedented in modern history. And it shows: they are more stressed, anxious, and depressed than previous generations, a phenomenon John Della Volpe has documented heavily through decades of meeting with groups of young Americans across the country.

But Gen Z has not buckled under this tremendous weight. On the contrary, they have organized around issues from gun control to racial and environmental justice to economic equity, becoming more politically engaged than their elders, and showing a unique willingness to disrupt the status quo.

In Fight: How Gen Z Is Channeling Their Passion and Fear to Save America, Della Volpe draws on his vast experience to show the largest forces shaping zoomers' lives, the issues they care most about, and how they are―despite older Americans' efforts to label Gen Z as overly sensitive, lazy, and entitled―rising to the unprecedented challenges of their time to take control of their country and our future.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, Sociology, Activism, Cultural, History

272 pages, Paperback

Published April 11, 2023

About the author

John Della Volpe is the director of polling at the Harvard Kennedy School Institute of Politics, where he has led the institute’s polling initiatives on understanding American youth since 2000. The Washington Post referred to him as one of the world’s leading authorities on global sentiment, opinion, and influence, especially among youth and in the age of digital and social media. Della Volpe appears regularly on MSNBC’s Morning Joe, and his research and insights are often found in national media outlets in the United States and abroad, including The Daily Show with Trevor Noah. He is also the founder and CEO of SocialSphere, a public opinion research firm in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Reviews

[Brandon Westlake · Rating 3 out of 5]

As an educator, this book confirms a lot of what I already know about teenagers. Its strength lies in the fact that it gives personal narratives that help prove those points. The interviews and public research are engaging. However, the demographic seems a bit selective. I question whether the author would have the same results if rural kids were included (and why weren't they focused as much?) I have taught in rural America and can say that teenagers definitely see things differently (for instance, gun issues). Ignorance is what got Trump elected, and may have led to the shock when he was. Sure, people like Thomas are mentioned in the book, but they are not representative of all. These people stand out as examples of Trumpian extremism and are seen as anti-thetical to Generation Z, although they are a part of it.

Ch. 8 was the most spot on to me. The people who stand out and get noticed really is identified well by the author. He makes the great point of realizing the importance of considering what get's young people's attention.

There are some interesting predictions at the end, as well.

Overall, is there a confirmation bias going on here? I can't help but think there may be a particular view of the country that is portrayed as "correct" or "dominant" when there is indeed an alternative, even in the suburbs and the city where I currently reside. We always seem to have an optimistic view of the younger generations- how they see things differently and are more accepting and will be the change that the country needs. But that same generation that was marching against Vietnam are the same older generations who are carrying this new conservatism.

Obviously, this book made me think, and for that I am grateful. It is a well-written book with some insights that will make you think about how our country depends on young people. A critical reading would also make you think about how those young people are portrayed

[Cheryl · Rating 2 out of 5]

The premise of this book is that Generation Z is concerned for the working class, climate change, and social justice. They are fed up with gun violence, income inequality, and racism. They aren't going to take it anymore and they are going to be a force for change.

The author had some interesting things to say and some enlightening data to share. But I continue to remain mystified by people who claim that Gen Z will "save America." In the U.S. what matters is wealth and the power that comes with it, which Gen Z doesn't have (and soon even their votes won't matter due to voter suppression laws and gerrymandering) so how exactly are they going to save America? The path to a better future that's outlined in this book just seems incredibly far-fetched based on the current political trajectory in America.

[Cristine Braddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book incredibly hopeful. Anyone that works with Gen Z or parents Gen Z or lives in a world with Gen Z should read this book.

[Ethan Christ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good narratives about working with Gen Z’ers!

[Amanda Werstuik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for sending me a copy of this book!

I thought this was an interesting recent history of our world and how Gen Z has been at the forefront of change these past few years. Like others, I found this to be hopeful. Having lived through these events, I thought this was an excellent summary and an optimistic approach to some tough topics.

The only thing I wasn't a fan of was how some of the data was presented. For example, an increase of 50% could mean a jump from 1% to 1.5% or it could be a jump from 20% to 30%. Obviously those are very different numbers and using a "50% increase" helps sell the point. When presenting research, however, I feel it's important to use numbers that actually reflect the situation instead of using numbers that provide a shock value. I only noticed this occur once or twice in this book, but a good thing to take note of for anyone reading research that relies on statistics.

Other than that, I appreciate the easy to grasp politics, the respectful account of our history, the well researched points, and the general attitude of trust Volpe puts in our younger generation. Anyone who is interested in politics and current/recent events would likely find value in this book, as I did.

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book reads rather like a justification or perhaps an encouragement to previous generations (Gen X and before) to look past the various stereotypes of Gen Z and see what we are really striving for. It was certainly an interesting perspective, and using polling numbers did bolster the arguments, but I found I disagree with the author’s politics, which show up (both subtly and overtly) throughout the book. There is nothing wrong with the inclusion of his politics nor my disagreement as I read, but it makes me wonder if his views impacted his interpretation of the research in important ways. Still, it was intriguing to see how a Gen Xer sees the newest voters in the US and his ideas of what the future may hold.

[Jessica Harding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. What a poignant and inspirational look into this generations politics and aspirations of the future. This book is perceptive and informative without being boring and disheartening, the stories told are inspiring and keep you engaged. “It’s in the mourning that we find hope” and I often feel that current day society is a whole lot of mourning without any hope, yet this book managed to spark some hope that the future is in good hands and those good hands can be our own.
Whether your politically involved or not (yet you should be, educate yourself and vote please!!) and regardless of political ideology anyone can benefit from this book.

[Shari Suarez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book tackles the misconceptions about Gen Z and discusses their feelings about the world around them. I enjoy reading about the different generations and this book really delved into what Gen Z deals with on a daily basis and how they might just end up changing the world.

[Scott DeVivo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started this book before and finished it after the 2024 election. The premise that Gen Z is such a strong voting bloc that we will never return to backwards-thinking politics hits differently now…

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book tackles how the Gen Z feels about what is going on in the world right now. What tragedies shaped their view of the world. Since I am not a Gen Z this book was interesting. The books give me an idea of what young people worry about and what they would want to change in the world. It was a fascinating read.

Thank you to #goodreads, @JohnDellaVolpe, and @StMartinsPress for a copy of this book.

[Kathleen O'Neal · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book would have been stronger if it had delved more into the lives of youth of the generation under discussion instead of basically relying on polling data to make points. The author’s background as a pollster seemed to be a hindrance in telling the kinds of stories and delivering the kinds of analysis that a book like this has potential for.

[Irene · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a liberal Gen Xer and a political news junkie. The state of local and national politics frequently gets me feeling hopeless and beat down, but I'm wary of putting too much pressure on Gen Z to "save us all" because 1) that's too much of a burden to place on anyone and 2) why shouldn't we expect Gen Zers to lose engagement, or drift to the political center as they age?

The author first lays the foundation so we can understand Generation Z in the context of the generations that came before them. "As children, the world for baby boomers and many Gen Xers often began and ended on their block; for Gen Z, there is no limit, and with this brings an unparalleled understanding of humanity and empathy." (p. 32) The author argues that Gen Z will not "abandon progressive values for conservatism as they age" (pg. 12) because "we have raised Zoomers to be an uncommonly empathetic generation." (p. 13)

The author believes that Gen Z's compassion for their fellow human beings, as well as their fears that arise from the current state of the world (e.g., school shootings, police brutality, college debt, climate change, etc.), naturally lead to having progressive values that prioritize human rights, the climate crisis, gun safety, income inequality, etc. It's those progressive policies that will help "save America". To illustrate Gen Z's preference for progressive ideals and their record-level political engagement, the author presents all kinds of polling data as well as quotes from actual Gen Zers he has interviewed. He shines a spotlight on Gen Z activists like the Parkland school shooting survivors and Greta Thunberg, among others.

Interestingly, Gen Z white nationalists and insurrectionists are also featured, showing that the world is truly engaged in a battle to win the hearts and minds of young people, and a more progressive future is not guaranteed.

The messages and lessons of this book feel urgent. Recent political events are analyzed through a Gen Z lens, and it's clear we need to pay attention to Gen Z RIGHT NOW if we want to leverage the power of their numbers and passion for progressive change.

Though the book's topic of an entire generation having to fight to save America is inherently depressing, the foreword by David Hogg, a Gen Z activist and school shooting survivor from Parkland, sets a positive and optimistic tone for the book, which ultimately left me with a solid sense of hope.

My only disappointment was the lack of attention on Asian Americans. Asian Americans were included in some of the data (p. 21), but not others (p. 47). Also, there was no mention of the Stop Asian Hate movement in the section about hate crimes increasing under Trump's presidency. (p. 81) To give him the benefit of the doubt, it's possible that the author didn't purposely exclude Asian Americans so much as he couldn't write about an issue that was unfolding in real time while he was actively writing the book, presumably in 2020 and 2021. He discussed the 2020 elections in great detail - as a political pollster, he would have been processing the election data as it was collected - but maybe he didn't have pandemic-related data at his fingertips; much of the anti-Asian violence grew out of the covid-19 pandemic, of which the author mostly made only passing mentions, admitting early on that it was "a global pandemic...with a yet-undetermined impact." (p. 17)

[Madelon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written by an academic pollster, FIGHT's important point that it is (and will be) the youth of the United States that will bring about the necessary change demanded by democracy, climate change, technology, and economic equality. Unfortunately, the point is buried in polling numbers and statistics. It is one thing to look at a chart or graph that portrays statistical information; it is quite another to have such information included in long, boring sentences.

Overall, it is not Della Volpe's words you will remember. For most of the book, his words surround the quotes of others - David Hogg, Emma Gonzalez, and Greta Thunberg. His words pale in comparison to those of the young people fighting for a better world.

The final chapter, devoid of polling data, speculates on the impact Generation Z, along with their millennial counterparts will have on the nation, the world, and the planet. Talk about burying the lead.

Pollsters are master manipulators of numbers. Tailored questions evoke preconceived responses. This is a problem. It is surely necessary to view the numbers in this book with more than a degree of skepticism. As much as I agree that the young people of this nation are the answer to its ills, projecting what they might (or will) do does not predict the future.

When I attempted to post my review to Amazon, I got the message, in red letters, "Amazon has noticed unusual reviewing activity on this product. Due to this activity, we have limited this product to verified purchase reviews." I checked. It seems that there are two reviews, one of which is not marked "Verified Purchase." What criteria is the Amazon AI using here?

I was offered this book in return for an honest review by a St. Martin's Group Marketing Coordinator based on my previous interest in reviewing political books on NetGalley. Had I not promised a review, this is one political book I might not have finished. However, I am glad that I did simply because of the final chapter which brings together important points that seem to be lost on the political parties and political pundits. It is wildly encouraging to know that young people are taking active interest in public policy, and, more importantly, in voting.

It is difficult to give a star-rating to FIGHT because the narrative is necessary but poorly conveyed. On the readability scale, the book is a 2-star read; on the message scale, it is of 5-star importance.

I don't often find it helpful to add my personal information to a review. This time I do. I am 74 years old. I have not always been politically active except for voting. My career as an IT support specialist did not begin until I was nearly 40 years old. The year I turned 50, a great many of my co-workers turned 30. I was often the oldest person on the job right up to my retirement in 2009. Working with young people has informed my political thoughts and decisions for a very long time. I agree with Generation Z! We need government that works for the people, for the planet, and for progressive values.

[Joshua Mousey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Figured now was as good of a time as ever to get more familiar with what my generation is up to in the political and social sphere. This book brings awareness to Gen Z's upbringing in the mist of multiple disastrous events such as 9/11, the 2008 market crash, school shootings, racial and social injustice, climate change, shrinking work life balance and the general working class, and of course the pandemic. Issues like these kept getting ignored by people in power as they don't consider them a top priority as much, and Zoomers are getting fed up with the constant dread of dealing with those and having their mental health compromised in the process. These problems have pertained for so long that it stunted Zoomers from getting started with and thriving in their lives. This book acknowledges those disadvantages they have due to old systems in place, and the actions they're taking to combat them. It ultimately takes an overall liberal, progressive position on how Gen Z is making themselves known on issues they've had enough of dealing with since it's also aware of a political figure's need to appeal to young voters and their struggles with people like Obama and AOC. Granted, parental influences are a factor in shaping one's political outlook, Zoomers aren't exempt from that necessarily, but there was no denying how powerful those two figure are in reaching out to young people who will take control of the future in one way or another. On that note, Zoomers have created movements and organizations that have influenced other allied nations to do the same, not just for their own land, but for the world as a whole. They also recognize how dangerous oppositions can form out of young people's need to belong somewhere, so they gain misguided, regressive, and sometimes extreme ideas on social, political, and economic problems. Look no further than the nonsensical culture war, and extreme supremacist movements aiming to turn back the clock on American history and standards, thus putting minorities and the general public at risk.

As hopeful as this all is, the calls to action have fallen on deaf ears given the recent election. The lack of blue voters has caused Gen Z to become influenced by conservative figure heads like their parents, commentators, grifters, and podcasters, which the world wide web amplified more and more, thus drawing more gullible people to its cause. There's the common sentiment that the blue side failed to appeal to Gen Z voters through a lack of sympathy for young men, thus they turned to the red side who had more of their best interests. Unfortunately, this gave rise to wildly conservatives ideas as well, such as the erasure of transgender people, mass deportations (lot of which are unjust), and more visibility of extremist movements. The book makes a point that Trump's presence gave rise to more societal tensions between people via racial, religious, and gender bias, which we're seeing more and more of these days. This happened with other presidents before, but not to this degree. It's just like how other presidents and government leaders gave rise to more progressive ideas, which Zoomers want to strive for.

With how much people are turning on the current sitting president now, I believe the tide is slowly shifting again with Gen Z protesting against his administration, but it's as if they're trying to fix a mistake that never would have happened if there were enough people voting against him in the polls. The book claims Gen Z is becoming more politically involved more by voting, but it doesn't feel like a necessity. Only time will tell with that, but it was good to get informed about current events like these.

[Beran Fisher · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was, to put it bluntly, very one-sided.

First, I will say that it earned its second star for having good information and statistics concerning the growing number of youth activists and voters. This does seem to be a unique feature of Gen Z, and he captured it well. It is encouraging that the youth are becoming more engaged in fighting for change.

However, I can’t give it any higher of a rating because most of the book was incredibly boring leftist slog. By the last several chapters I was skimming because it was simply a recount of the last several US elections and how various Democratic candidates performed due to the capturing or lack thereof of the youth vote. Particularly off-putting was the way Volpe bragged about transforming Biden’s campaign to capture the youth vote. As one of the oldest members of Gen Z myself, I can assure you that the reason Biden performed well with our generation was not because we fell for his god-awful pandering, but because he was the not-Trump option.

The other big gripe I have is how tribalist it is. The reader is left with the impression that the only type of right-winger is a nationalist white supremacist (whether Gen Z or otherwise). The book is framed as a hopeful narrative that the good guy wonderful Democrats will eventually defeat those awful, nasty, horrible Republicans. While I am generally more left-leaning myself, the path forward is not to be found in slandering and hating those we disagree with.

Overall, do not recommend. If you’re far left, you’ll love it. If you’re anywhere right of center, you’ll hate it and find it useless. If you’re independent, you’ll have about the reaction I did. Proceed accordingly.

[Matthew Cory · Rating 2 out of 5]

This isn't really a book about the generation below the millennials, which the author refers to as Gen Z or Zoomers. This is a book endorsing the far-left liberal agenda.

If you are liberal, you are likely to agree with everything the author says and learn nothing.
If you are conservative, you are likely to disagree with everything and put down the book in disgust.
If you are independent, you will notice the heavy-handed slant and make a post on goodreads about how this book wasted your time.

The author would be wise to leave his Harvard/Washington Post/MSNBC bubble and spend a year or two with Americans who think differently from him, much like fellow Cambridge author Farah Stockman. She wrote a far superior book about Americans (American Made: What Happens to People When Work Disappears) with a more even-handed perspective.

[Robert Morgan Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never foist books on people except my creative writing students--and even then it's fiction or poetry, certainly not political non-fiction. I'm telling everyone I know about this book. It's the best roadmap for what to expect in the next 10 years and beyond. And the news is good--GenZ (those born after 1995, more or less) is going to save this country and the world. We just need to get out of their way. Della Volpe has done his homework. Over 20 years of research to back up his findings.

Why you should buy/read this:

1) GenZ is the most traumatized generation in US history (9/11, war, Great Recession, Tea Party idiocy, almost daily school shootings, climate change denial, anti-science cultism, Trump, COVID, the attempted Coup, rise of fascist racism, etc...)
2) They saw Millennials fail to show up at the box office and are determined not to let that happen with them.
3) As the obstructionist old guard ages out (or succumbs to COVID and other perfectly avoidable diseases), GenZ will be the ones changing their diapers (or... not) and running the world. They are fed up and disgusted and I can't blame them.

[Tom · Rating 3 out of 5]

Volpe is a man who conducts interviews with young people and sees where the trends are generation by generation, and when he got to Generation Z, the ones who came of age after 9/11, he didn't see them having much cause for optimism as they didn't have good cultural milestones to go along with the bad ones as previous generations did. However, he found an age group that was willing to fight back and get something. The first half of the book I found rather interesting. Yes, he seems to talk more to progressive-minded types, but he also makes it clear these weren't just huge lefties looking to enact socialism or take guns away from people.

However, at a certain point, the book became more about praising politicians who take time to at least say they are listening to those self-same young people. There weren't many by his reckoning, and it took the focus away from Gen Z and onto these (often much older) politicians. He seems hopeful for change in the future, but cynical me thought it was more that these people were just saying what Gen Z wanted to hear.

[Kelsey]

I shouldn't be surprised by how much of this book is rather dry reporting of polling numbers and trends, given that its author is an expert in... polling numbers and trends... but I guess, as an almost-member of the generation that Volpe writes about, I was surprised to see so much emphasis on how Joe Biden won his election when there are about seven thousand other things that seem more relevant to the Gen Z mindset.

This isn't a bad or misinformed book, it just didn't necessarily capture the spirit of rebellion that I thought it would, which is probably due to its academic focus and older author.

[Emily Shearer · Rating 2 out of 5]

A history lesson of the past 40 years more than a manifesto about how Gen Z will save us, going forward. Much of it felt like recapping every npr story I've listened to on the five major factors that shaped the generation. However, an interesting way to put together how they got this far, despite everything stacked against them. Was not as hopeful as review made me think it would be, but solid reporting still points to a cause for optimism. And as I have always said, I believe in the optimism of youth.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the author comes from a very left-leaning perspective, the data still cannot be ignored. As someone who works daily with and for Gen Z, it's imperative to know what this generation is dealing with and how it impacts their view of the world.

"Being conscious of Generation Zers, their stressors, the life they’ve led, and where they will lead us all is far from a trivial pursuit. To inspire them to action, whether it’s in the arena of politics, or any commercial or cultural venture, requires an understanding, if not appreciation, for what has shaped them to this point."

[Catherine M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received my copy just the other day. This is a fantastic book. I am amazed at how candid these Zoomers were with the author in focus groups or interviews. Now, how do we let them know that yes, we can hear them? No joke: this is a must-read for anyone in ..... any sector really. It matters in politics. It matters in social engagement. It matters in digital marketing. It matters in public health, especially in mental health. It matters.

[Kimberley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw the author’s interview on The Daily Show and wanted to read the book. I felt that JS went off on his boomer rant and totally missed John Della Volpe’s point. I am a GenX parent with 3 adult GenZ children and so much of the author’s current descriptions hit home. He did a great job of synthesizing so many data points & really paid attention to the trends. I guess we’ll see how his predictions for the future of GenZ come true!

[Joshua Dollins · Rating 2 out of 5]

There is some great info here and overall I feel he gets this generation however as others have mentioned there is a large less noticeable christian conservative rural group that does not want everything or the same things as the majority he focuses on. He ignores this. He is quite politically biased

[Kate Nack · Rating 4 out of 5]

My kids are at the tail end of of Gen Z, so I was definitely curious to see what the author had to say about them. It’s a lot of data for sure, but it’s presented in a very accessible way. It was hard to re-live some of the troubled times our country and this generation has experienced but overall I found this book to be hopeful. I believe this generation could save us/change the world.

[Dhira Dharmakusuma · Rating 4 out of 5]

An insightful dissection and, to an extent, comforting "validation" of what I had begun experiencing as a fellow concerned Gen-Z. It might be important to note that Della Volpe's findings are not so easily translatable and universal to the experiences of youth in other geopolitical and cultural contexts. Still, a hopeful and hugely readable book.

[Du · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Pretty solid overview of the potential for generation z. A good look at what they have experienced what has formed them and using data collected from surveys and other interactions a well laid out observation of what their potential is from a social and political standpoint.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring and optimistic book. Gen Z has faced huge challenges and proves to be resilient and courageous. They were the difference in the 2020 election and will continue to fight for solutions to climate, gun violence, voter suppression.

[mib6475654 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved reading this book! I found the writing to be very insightful and interesting. I was intrigued by the premise and I enjoyed reading it from start to finish.

[Keegan Cherry · Rating 3 out of 5]

(3.5)