Summary

The author, a self-identified Generation Jones Boomer, addresses intergenerational tensions, acknowledging Boomer mistakes while challenging younger generations to self-reflect and contribute positively to society.

Abstract

In a candid and sarcastic piece, the author, Bruce Coulter, confronts the stereotypes and criticisms directed at Baby Boomers by younger generations. Coulter, who identifies as part of Generation Jones within the Boomer demographic, calls for a more nuanced understanding of his generation's contributions and struggles. He admits to Boomer missteps, such as initially ignoring climate change and electing controversial leaders, but also emphasizes their decades of environmental advocacy and personal sacrifices, such as caring for aging parents. The author criticizes the tendency to scapegoat Boomers for contemporary issues and encourages everyone to take individual responsibility for societal problems. He also points out the hypocrisy in the younger generation's environmental activism, suggesting that it often doesn't extend beyond superficial actions. Coulter proudly asserts his generation's resilience and financial independence, achieved through lifelong work and contributions to Social Security. He concludes with a call to action for mutual respect and a reminder that future generations will face similar criticisms.

Opinions

The author acknowledges that Boomers have made mistakes but emphasizes that they have also been proactive about environmental issues for decades.
Coulter criticizes the notion that Boomers are solely responsible for current global issues, suggesting that younger generations should also take responsibility.
He challenges the effectiveness of younger generations' environmental actions, implying that they may be more performative than substantive.
The author is proud of his generation's work ethic and financial responsibility, highlighting their contributions to Social Security and other pensions.
He expresses a sense of betrayal and frustration towards younger generations for blaming Boomers for their own economic and environmental predicaments.
Coulter suggests that the cycle of intergenerational blame is inevitable, with future generations likely to criticize those currently young.
He sarcastically remarks that younger generations might not recognize certain cultural references, highlighting a perceived generational disconnect.
The author values the personal sacrifices made for family, particularly the care provided to aging parents, and considers this a testament to love and responsibility.
Coulter calls for mutual respect between generations, advocating for understanding rather than conflict.

GENERATIONS

Boomers are not your bitches, bitches

I’m Generation Jones, a young-ish Boomer. Who knew?

The culture war is on. Image by Adobe Express

(Author’s note: This column offers a bit of honesty and a fair share of sarcasm. If you can’t tell the difference, that’s OK. Just hit me up with 50 claps and a “fuck yeah, dude!” in the comments. Because by all means, let’s put more money in a Boomer’s pocket.)

I was born 13 years after the close of WWII. At 64, I’m a couple of generations past the Greatest Generation. They’re the ones Gen-Zers and Millennials blame for ending World War II with the first atomic bomb. At least when they’re not blaming my generation for everything wrong with the world today.

To be honest, I thought I was a straight-up Boomer. I’m Boomer II, a younger version of the original Boomers. I guess that makes me an OG Generation Jones Boomer. There’s more of us than you thought. Feel better?

This rant is inspired by another damn Boomer II, Debra Groves Harman, MEd, which you can find below.

Boomers Have a Message For You Before We Kick the Bucket

We’re not coming to visit and eat your food

medium.com

I’ve never met Debra, but I can tell by her work on Medium that she won’t take any shit from people. And if you’re skivvies are in a bunch, she’ll help. No, she won’t pull them out of your ass. She’ll pull them up over your head.

I realize Boomers have made mistakes; getting married (not always), going to work, paying bills, making babies (again, not always), and good shit like that. For that, Millennials, Gen-X, and Gen-Z people want a piece of our collective asses.

And yeah, we ignored climate change and pollution and apparently voted the orange menace into the White House. I’ll own that on behalf of my generation, but not as a person. Many Boomers have been concerned about polluting our environment and our warming planet for decades. Let me say that again: DECADES.

Regarding the orange turd? Not me. Fuck him. And fuck you while I’m at it. Boomers are not the answer you’re hoping to hear when someone asks: What’s the worst generation ever? Try looking in the mirror. We all love latte-drinking, croc-wearing, pretentious food-eating, air pod-wearing humans like you. Can you feel the adoration?

No? Go figure.

What have you done for the environment lately? Watched Greta Thunberg on YouTube? Perhaps you dropped your coffee cup smeared with latte drippings in the proper trash bin. Oops. Doesn’t belong there. Look for the recycle bin. Whew!

I’ll bet you own an EV. It’s probably a Tesla, so you can show the ladies the size of your engine (batteries required).

And no, I don’t want to burden my kids as I will inevitably begin to drool onto my dinner bib at 4 in the afternoon. Nor do I need them to run to the store and buy my favorite color of Depends.

But I’ll tell you what my siblings and I did for our folks. We didn’t run when they got sick. We were there to the end of their lives. I watched my mom get lost in a haze of dementia; my dad wasted away thanks to a brain tumor. I wouldn’t trade that pain for anything. That pain was love for my parents.

I and countless other Boomers paid into Social Security for 40 years, give or take. I understand some people choose to wait, and others have to wait to maximize their payout. I opted to collect my Social Security checks when I was 62. Uncle Sam hopes some of us won’t make it to 67 or 68. That’s money back in the government’s pocket. To quote J.G. Wentworth, “It’s your money; use it when you need it.” If you’ve never heard that phrase, you might not be a Boomer.

I have two other pensions. I earned them. If that annoys younger generations, good. End of story. Look on the bright side. When you reach the same age as Boomers, younger generations will give you the same shit you give us. You might want to complain that you’re feelings are hurt. It’s time for a little tough love. Get over it.

We Boomers keep marching to the beat of our own drum.

If you’ve read this far, thank you for stopping by. Lay 50 claps on me and comment, if you would please. I will return the favor. Cheers!

I accept tips, which go directly to Dining for Hunger, a recognized 501(c)(3) organization that looks to end food insecurity. If you can spare a dollar or two, I’d be grateful.

GENERATIONS

Boomers are not your bitches, bitches

I’m Generation Jones, a young-ish Boomer. Who knew?

Boomers Have a Message For You Before We Kick the Bucket

We’re not coming to visit and eat your food

We Should All Be Loved in Our Lifetimes

Being alone is okay; being loved is better

How The F*** is George Santos Still in Office?

And other silly shit in the halls of Congress

My Version of a This and That Challenge

Who doesn’t love a good dare?

Between a Father And His Son

My old man and the late, great Ted Williams

Viewing Boston Through a Monochrome Lens

Black and white can change how we see things