Business
Are Gen Z and Millennials Facing a Rigged System?

Recent polls and studies have highlighted a growing belief among Gen Z and Millennials in the United States that the system is rigged against them. This perception is rooted in various economic, social, and political factors that have created a significant generational divide in America.
Economic Challenges
Young Americans are facing unprecedented economic hurdles:
- The dream of homeownership is increasingly out of reach for many young adults. In 1996, two people working at minimum wage jobs could afford to buy a house in many parts of the country. Today, this scenario is virtually impossible.
- Despite rising costs of living, wages have not kept pace, particularly affecting entry-level positions. Many young professionals struggle to afford rent in major cities, let alone save for a down payment on a home.
- The burden of student loan debt has become a major obstacle for many young Americans trying to start their adult lives.
- Shifting Values and Perspectives
The generational divide extends beyond economics to core values and worldviews:
- A 2022 Pew poll found that 44% of Americans aged 18-29 view socialism favorably, compared to only 40% for capitalism. This contrasts sharply with older generations, where just 28% of seniors hold a positive view of socialism.
- While 75% of the Silent Generation and 67% of Baby Boomers believe the U.S. should take an active part in world affairs, only 50% of Millennials and Gen Z share this view.
- American Exceptionalism: 72% of the Silent Generation and 65% of Boomers believe the United States is the greatest country in the world. In contrast, 59% of Millennials and 65% of Gen Z say the U.S. is no greater than other countries.
- Gen Z is significantly less likely than Baby Boomers to prioritize patriotism, belief in God, or having children.
Institutional Distrust
Young Americans are losing faith in traditional institutions:
- Millennials and Gen Z are twice as likely as older Americans to identify as political independents, indicating a shift away from the two-party system.
- Many young people feel that the current economic system benefits the wealthy at the expense of everyone else.
- The rise of social media and alternative news sources has led to increased skepticism towards traditional media outlets.
Implications for the Future
This generational divide has significant implications for America’s future:
- As younger generations gain more political influence, there may be a push for more progressive policies and a reevaluation of America’s role on the global stage.
- he growing dissatisfaction with current economic structures could lead to demands for significant reforms in areas such as housing policy, education funding, and wealth distribution.
- The evolving values of younger generations may accelerate social changes in areas such as religious affiliation, family structures, and national identity.
- As Millennials and Gen Z become a larger part of the workforce, companies may need to adapt their practices to attract and retain young talent.
As America moves further into the 2020s, addressing this perceived rigged system will be crucial for maintaining social cohesion and ensuring economic opportunity for all generations. Political leaders, businesses, and institutions will need to find ways to bridge the generational divide and create policies that resonate across age groups to build a more equitable future for all Americans.
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Business
How Your Lipstick, Lunch & Underwear Predict a Recession

As economists scrutinize GDP reports and unemployment rates, unconventional metrics—from cosmetics to undergarments—offer startlingly accurate glimpses into economic health. These “unofficial indicators” reveal how consumer behavior shifts under financial strain, often foreshadowing downturns before traditional metrics do.
Lipstick Effect: Small Luxuries in Hard Times
The lipstick index, coined by Estée Lauder’s Leonard Lauder, tracks rising sales of cosmetics during recessions. When budgets tighten, consumers skip big-ticket indulgences but splurge on affordable treats like lipstick. During the 2001 post-9/11 downturn, U.S. lipstick sales jumped 11%, while the Great Depression saw a 25% spike in cosmetics sales.
Today, brands like MAC and Sephora report 15% growth in cosmetics sales, with drugstore options gaining traction as consumers prioritize affordability. This trend reflects the “moisturizer index” observed during COVID-19, where skincare replaced lipstick due to mask mandates, but the core principle remains: small luxuries thrive when wallets shrink.

Men’s Underwear: A Bare Necessity
The men’s underwear index, popularized by Alan Greenspan, signals trouble when sales drop. Men postpone replacing worn-out undergarments until finances stabilize, making it a reliable recession harbinger. Recent data shows a 6% decline in sales, suggesting consumers are stretching non-essentials.
Lunch Habits: Brown-Bagging It
Economic anxiety reshapes meal choices. More workers now bring lunches from home, opting for cost-saving over convenience. Similarly, the snack index reveals downturns through reduced purchases of items like Chex Mix and pet treats—General Mills reported a 5% sales drop, linking it to weakened consumer confidence.
Beer and Beauty: Downgrading Discretionary Spending
The beer index highlights a shift from craft brews to budget six-packs during recessions. “Craft beer sales are significantly down,” notes supply chain expert Jackington, as social drinking becomes a lower priority. Meanwhile, beauty routines adapt: “recession blonde” trends (skipping salon touch-ups) and press-on nail searches (up 10%) reflect thriftiness3.
Why These Indicators Matter
These metrics capture real-time consumer sentiment often missed by lagging economic reports. While not foolproof, they underscore how financial strain permeates daily life—from skipped haircuts to stretched underwear. As economist Kevin Shahnazari explains, “Affordable indulgences provide psychological comfort without breaking the bank”.
In an era of uncertainty, the economy’s pulse beats in the details—proving that sometimes, the most telling signs are hiding in plain sight.
Bolanle Media covers a wide range of topics, including film, technology, and culture. Our team creates easy-to-understand articles and news pieces that keep readers informed about the latest trends and events. If you’re looking for press coverage or want to share your story with a wider audience, we’d love to hear from you! Contact us today to discuss how we can help bring your news to life
Business
Chinese Business Owners Face Uncertainty as Trade War Escalates and Growth Slows

The deepening U.S.-China trade war has plunged Chinese entrepreneurs into a crisis of confidence, with retaliatory tariffs exceeding 145% on key exports and domestic economic pressures compounding fears of prolonged stagnation. While China reported stronger-than-expected GDP growth of 5.4% in Q1 2025, analysts warn this pre-dates the full impact of America’s sweeping tariffs enacted in April—a move that threatens to derail export-driven sectors and exacerbate existing vulnerabilities.
Trade War Fallout
The U.S. has imposed a 145% tariff on Chinese goods, prompting Beijing to retaliate with 125% duties on American imports, including agricultural products. This escalation has disrupted supply chains globally, with Chinese manufacturers reporting canceled orders from U.S. buyers and halted shipments across industries like furniture, toys, and apparel. Hong Kong-based exporters, such as Gaoxd, have seen sales drop by 20% this year, with owners citing a “wait-and-see” paralysis among clients.

Domestic Challenges
Despite the Q1 growth surge, China faces a fragile recovery:
- Real estate crisis: Property market indicators remain weak despite minor price rebounds.
- Consumer hesitancy: Domestic demand lacks momentum, with households reluctant to spend amid deflationary pressures.
- Manufacturing strains: Factories report minimal room to further cut costs, with relocation to Southeast Asia hindered by underdeveloped supply chains.
Strategic Shifts
Beijing is aggressively diversifying trade partnerships, reducing U.S. export reliance from historic highs to 14.7% in 2024. President Xi Jinping’s recent Southeast Asia tour emphasized China’s pitch as a “reliable” alternative to U.S.-led trade frameworks. Meanwhile, state media insists China has “valuable experience” from eight years of trade tensions, framing the conflict as an existential struggle against Western decline.
Outlook
While China’s $586 billion fiscal stimulus and focus on high-end manufacturing aim to offset trade losses, analysts caution that the tariffs’ delayed effects could erase Q1 gains. With U.S. imports of Chinese goods effectively halted by prohibitive tariffs, businesses face a bifurcated future: adapt to decoupled markets or risk collapse in a prolonged standoff between the world’s largest economies.
As economist Vina Nadjibulla notes, the critical question is which economy can endure more pain—a calculus now keeping Chinese business owners awake at night.

Bolanle Media covers a wide range of topics, including film, technology, and culture. Our team creates easy-to-understand articles and news pieces that keep readers informed about the latest trends and events. If you’re looking for press coverage or want to share your story with a wider audience, we’d love to hear from you! Contact us today to discuss how we can help bring your news to life
Business
The Impact of Stock Market Issues on Cinema

The film industry, like many others, is closely tied to the economy. When the stock market faces challenges, Hollywood and the broader cinema world feel the effects in several ways. Let’s explore how stock market issues are influencing movies and the people who make them.
1. Delays in Movie Releases
When there’s uncertainty in the stock market, studios often delay movie releases. Why? Because changes in release dates can make investors nervous. A study found that when studios announce delays, stock prices tend to drop, especially for big-budget films. This shows that investors worry more about rising costs than whether a movie will succeed at the box office.

2. Strikes and Production Shutdowns
Recent strikes by writers (WGA) and actors (SAG-AFTRA) have caused many movies and TV shows to stop production. These strikes happened because workers wanted better pay and job security. Without actors to promote their work, studios have delayed big releases, which could hurt their profits. For example, some Christmas movies might be pushed back if stars can’t attend premieres or interviews.

3. Advertising and Budget Cuts
Economic problems often lead to cuts in advertising budgets. Since movies rely heavily on ads to attract audiences, this can hurt ticket sales. Studios may also reduce spending on new projects, meaning fewer movies get made. Families feeling the pinch might also cut back on trips to theaters or cancel streaming subscriptions.
4. Licensing and Merchandise Challenges
Hollywood doesn’t just make money from tickets—it also earns a lot from licensing deals (like toys or clothes based on popular movies). However, rising costs for these products could mean fewer deals, reducing income for studios like Disney.
5. Opportunities During Tough Times
Interestingly, movie theaters often do well during economic downturns. When people can’t afford expensive vacations or concerts, they turn to movies as a cheaper form of entertainment. However, with ticket prices for premium formats like IMAX rising, theaters might need to offer discounts to keep audiences coming.

Looking Ahead
The film industry is facing a tough moment with strikes, stock market instability, and economic uncertainty all happening at once. While this creates challenges like delayed releases and reduced budgets, it also opens doors for smaller films and affordable entertainment options. As Hollywood navigates these issues, 2026 is being seen as a critical year for recovery.
In the meantime, both studios and audiences are waiting to see how these financial shifts will reshape the future of cinema.
Bolanle Media covers a wide range of topics, including film, technology, and culture. Our team creates easy-to-understand articles and news pieces that keep readers informed about the latest trends and events. If you’re looking for press coverage or want to share your story with a wider audience, we’d love to hear from you! Contact us today to discuss how we can help bring your news to life
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