In a surprising turn of events, Gen Z is casting doubt on the existence of Helen Keller, the renowned author and activist. This peculiar trend gained traction when screenwriter Alex Turner shared a shocking revelation on Twitter: many young people believe Keller was a “fraud” who never existed. What in the world is happening?
Turner engaged with his younger relatives, who argued that it would be impossible for someone who was both deaf and blind to achieve such remarkable accomplishments. One relative even suggested that Keller “probably existed” but was likely only deaf or blind, questioning how a person with both disabilities could learn to write books. This skepticism has sparked a wave of discussion on platforms like Twitter and TikTok.
Helen Keller’s life was pivotal in shaping deaf and blind education, and her legacy continues to influence literacy programs for the deaf and blind today. She founded the Helen Keller School for Deaf Children, which remains operational. However, this reality seems lost on many TikTok users.
Turner, initially thinking he was part of an elaborate prank, turned to the internet for answers. What he found was astonishing: his relatives weren’t alone in their disbelief. A 2020 article by student and writer Mia Johnson titled “The Generation that Doesn’t Believe Helen Keller Existed” delves into this phenomenon, which has garnered over 17 million views under hashtags like #HelenKeller and #HelenKellerisoverparty.
Cynicism and a desire for authenticity in the face of misinformation may be fueling this bizarre trend. Johnson speculates that young people’s skepticism towards Keller might stem from growing up in an era dominated by fake news.
Advocates like Emma Taylor, a human rights lawyer and author, expressed frustration at the ongoing doubts about Keller’s achievements. Advocacy groups have highlighted that such theories perpetuate ableism, implying that individuals with disabilities cannot succeed academically or professionally.
So, with this cleared up, perhaps TikTok can return to its usual fare of entertaining content like dance videos and cute animals.
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In summary, the recent skepticism among Gen Z regarding Helen Keller’s existence raises questions about the broader implications of misinformation in today’s society. While Keller’s legacy is monumental, the doubts circulated by some young people highlight a need for better historical understanding and education.

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