DEAR BOOMERS
Let's set the record straight. The problem is not what you own and what you can afford. No one demanded you to share your wealth and your entitlements. Stop clutching your pearls. The problem is the lack of understanding, the unwillingness to leave your ivory tower for a moment and see what's outside of it. Because the world has changed.
When younger people use the term "boomer", they don't generalize. They are fully aware of historical injustices some in your generation faced and that some of you are good people. Who they talk about are those of you with a poor attitude, rude, entitled, dismissive, labeling the young ones as "frivolous" or "lazy".
They talk about those of you stuck in the 80's and who also happen to be the most vocal. Those of you who could hardly wait for their kids to turn eighteen and leave the house. It didn't matter if the kids were confused and overmedicated, they had to prove themselves in a declining economy. They had to make it on their own, just so their parents would have what to brag about at the next Thanksgiving dinner.
The young ones talk about those who looked down upon and belittled every generation thereafter: Generation Jones (mine), Gen X, Xillenials, Millenials, Zillenials, and now Gen Z. The boomers had the chance to accumulate during great economic times, if they wanted. Do you think the younger generations wouldn't be happy to own a place to call "MY HOUSE", to start a family and offer their kids a stable future?
But they can't do that. Because not only the times have changed dramatically and the value of money is next to nothing, but they also grew up with the idea that relationships are too complicated, abusive, transactional and shallow. Wonder how they got that idea?
Most of these kids went to school and have student loans they can't afford to pay back. And who convinced them college is the epiphany of a good life? What else they can't afford? Everything. Although some of them work even three jobs at a time. So, this is not about condoning parasitic behavior and people who don't want to contribute to the society and only to get the best of it for free. Parasites don't show up only in specific calendar years and you already know that.
Most of the people I know are Millennials and younger. My kids belong to these generations, too. And it breaks my heart to see them overworked, suppressed, repressed, and exhausted, and with no perspective during the best years of their lives to have at least the fun and freedoms even my generation had. If everyone who came after you was entitled and lazy, would your social security benefits pay themselves?
Age doesn't entitle you to respect if you can't return it. If you want respect and consideration you have to earn them, no matter your age. Plus, admit it, during your prime, you turned a blind eye to social issues, because getting out of your comfort zone wasn't convenient. You dismissed everyone who called you on that as being out of their minds, stopped interacting with them and destroyed their reputation while keeping yourself in high regard. Hence the term "the me-generation".
If you are so magnanimous and the wise elders you claim to be, then make up for it at least in the eleventh hour. Give the next generations respect and understanding. Not a hand down but a hand up. They are the future and the ones who'll be working until 70 or maybe longer to support the system you rely on. Just curious, what was the age you retired at?
