Yes, Boomer, you are correct.
The generations that followed the Baby Boomers (1946–1964)—Generation X (1965–1980), Millenials (1981–1996), and now Gen Z (1997–2012)—have been giving them a lot of grief as of late. They are upset about things like pollution, excessive riches, partisan politics, and the fact that older generations are so condescending about the difficulties faced by today’s youth in the United States.
It’s unfair to generalize about the Baby Boomer generation as a whole. However, there are incontrovertible principles shared by every generation, and inevitably some of these values will clash.
But there are still niggles in the modern world of 2023. After the invention of the telephone, which put one in the hands of nearly everyone, a whole new set of issues arose. When you factor in the outrage culture and hands-on parenting styles of today’s youth, modern life quickly becomes intolerable. The Boomer generation didn’t cause these issues, but their hyper-connected children and grandkids certainly have.
AnitaVodkasoda posted to the AskReddit community, requesting that users acknowledge that the Baby Boomer generation was correct about some topics. Many people who were fed up with the stresses of modern life attributed to technology and social media responded to the question “What is something you can say ‘I’m with the boomers on this one’ about?”
Here Are 19 Things That the Public Believes the Boomer Generation Nailed
1. Getting sick of using apps
Any company that insists on your using their app. I don’t want to have to get an app, create an account, and then remember a password. Especially considering how frequently the software crashes or fails to load properly, or how complicated the user interface is. A Sammy_Henderschplitz remark
2. Allow children to engage in play
Children thrive in completely free-form outdoor play. They don’t require any sort of planned entertainment. Take a group of kids to the park, and as long as you keep an eye on them, they’ll find things to do together that you and I never would have thought of. Let children run about and be kids, but make sure they’re safe. Curating isn’t required in every situation. Weighty Hebrew Club
3. Expensive concert tickets
Tickets to concerts cost too much. Beer costs R 100 once inside!
4. Creeping at the tip
Every store is demanding gratuities at the register. Computerized menus. The inability to retain ownership of material goods, such as software or in-car amenities that require regular subscription payments.
5. Cell phones at shows
Concerts with cellphone use. When the performer arrives onstage, I snap one quick photo, and then I sit back and enjoy myself. Just enjoy the music, since you’ll never see those dumb videos again where you’re singing off-tune.
6. Children’s use of the Internet
“Children shouldn’t have unfettered access to the internet because of social media.” – Shocking Blooms
7. Lazy parents and their tablets
Parents allow their children to watch videos or play games on tablets in public with the noise turned up, without headphones, and not because they fear a tantrum is impending (if they absolutely cannot get the child out of that common space for some reason).
8. Reintroduce Buttons
“Cars with touchscreens are the worst.”
9. Inept assistance to customers
An automated system that takes 12 minutes to get through, doesn’t answer your inquiry and prevents you from speaking to a human person when you call any company.
10. Bringing up spoiled brats
“Every parent today adopts the position that their child can do no wrong. And we’re baffled as to why the teaching pool is so shallow.
11. Emails with emojis at the office
Master the art of business email. It’s ridiculous how many students from Generation Z I’ve had who write me messages without greetings, full of emoticons and abbreviations like hahaha, omg, etc., and lacking in correct grammar and spelling. That’s appropriate for casual conversations with friends or family but inappropriate in the workplace.
12. Straws made of paper
Paper straws are terrible, as the saying goes.
13. A Tattoed face
“Avoid getting facial tattoos.”
14. Gener Reveals
Please reveal whether you are expecting a boy or a girl. Alternatively, you could hold off until the birth. There is no reason to gather for a ludicrous announcement. I would rather not have blue or pink crumbs lying about.
15. Society has become overly sensitive
People are overly sensitive, and their feelings of anger shouldn’t carry as much weight as they do. It’s discouraging to watch so many people complaining and arguing over little matters while serious problems go unresolved.
16. Bad TV
“These days, movies and certain television shows have ridiculous mixing. It’s annoying because I have to turn the volume up just to hear the whispered dialogue, and then suddenly my ears are blown off by a musical crescendo or a massive explosion. I have tried everything to fix my sound system but to no avail.
17. Housing for the middle class
The ability to own a home outright.
18. A victim of the glare
As one person put it, “Headlights are too damned bright now.”
19. The People in Your Yard
It’s been said, “Get off my lawn.”
About the Author
Edmore Nkosi is a riveting South African journalist, specializing in entertainment and current affairs. With his unique ability to blend pop culture with real-world events, Edmore has carved a niche in providing captivating narratives that resonate with a diverse readership.