The term ‘boomers’ is short for ‘baby boomers’, referring to the population increase after World War Two. Sadly, the word is often used negatively (we’ve all heard the phrase “OK, boomer!”), mostly by younger generations. Confused? Here are 18 dumb reasons why everyone seems to have a problem with boomers.
Having pride in their work
Boomers are a generation of workaholics–it’s just how they were raised. They have a strong work ethic and are still a huge part of the workforce, priding themselves in their work. Sadly, this just isn’t something that Gen Z can relate to or respect, so they often criticize boomers for working too hard.
Struggling with technology
Some boomers need help using a smartphone or attaching a photograph to an email. They were born when color television was relatively new, and as InsideTelecom reminds us, technology has grown exponentially since then. Therefore, it’s no wonder it’s so alien to some boomers. Give us a break; we’re trying our best!
Complaining about their difficult lives
Every child hears stories about how their elders walked miles to school, hungry, in the snow, with no shoes. While this may be an exaggeration, the young generation doesn’t realize how good they have it! Older people often did lead tougher lives than their young relatives, so the kids should have more respect.
Pointing out that everything was cheaper
Things are really expensive now, and most of us are struggling with the cost of living. However, it’s nobody’s fault that things were cheaper back in the ‘60s or that it was easier for boomers to save money, so while we empathize with the younger generations, they should cut boomers some slack.
Constant phone calls
If a boomer wants to speak to you, they’ll make a phone call. Younger people have a strange aversion to speaking on the phone, preferring to send a quick message over social media. However, boomers grew up communicating through phone calls, so can you really blame them for sticking to what they know?
Their selfies are terrible
There is a stereotype that boomers cannot take a good selfie. Taking a nice selfie is hard, though; you need the right lighting, the right angle, and a good phone camera. Not everyone can do it, and a lot of people don’t even try, and that’s ok.
Old-fashioned TV preferences
Boomers love to watch television, which younger people find odd, as they’re more familiar with binge-watching sessions or watching streamers. In fact, Variety finds that millennials and Gen Z watch an average of six series episodes per viewing session. Can you imagine how shocking that would be in the ‘80s?!
An obsession with Facebook
Boomers use Facebook far more than any other social media. It’s a great platform for staying in touch with old friends and family, so we don’t understand what the problem is. Regardless, younger people have long since ditched Facebook, considering it old-fashioned compared to newer platforms like Instagram.
Complaining about their ailments
Younger people seem to have a problem with older folk complaining about their many ailments. Just wait until they’re older, and we’ll see who’s complaining then! Ailments are sadly part of getting older, and it’s natural to complain when our bodies used to run so much smoother.
Still using landlines
Landline telephones became popular in the early seventies, so boomers have used them for decades and have had one in their homes ever since. Sure, they’re old-fashioned, but they’re dependable lifelines for a lot of people, and they’ll never run out of battery like the smartphones kids are obsessed with!
Avoiding QR codes
QR codes have exploded in recent years; it’s rare nowadays to go to a coffee shop and see a physical menu. This is super confusing for boomers, as it involves using so much unnecessary technology! Naturally, they are reluctant to make the switch, which younger generations find frustrating.
Old-fashioned music tastes
Older people don’t quite get the music that young people listen to. Boomers grew up listening to rock ‘n’ roll, jazz, funk, and even classical music, which couldn’t be further from today’s popular music. This is the natural progression of life, so we think kids should be more understanding of this.
Criticizing ‘the youth of today’
Boomers DO like young people, and vice versa. If you have ever witnessed a grandparent and their grandchild having a conversation, you know it’s true. Each generation has lots to learn from the others, but let’s be honest–we also have a lot of differences, and the kids hate it when we complain about them.
Fascination with war
Many boomers love to talk and learn about war and might be proud that they fought for their country. Sadly, many young people misunderstand this. Boomers don’t like war; fighting was not a choice, and in fact, Britannica reminds us that boomers were a huge part of the anti-war movement in the 70s.
Showing up without warning
They don’t call or message; they just turn up and ring your doorbell. Boomers grew up in an era where they could simply visit a friend’s house and walk in. Times have really changed, and sadly, this makes a lot of young people uncomfortable. We don’t understand why, though!
Preferring real newspapers
Most younger generations do everything online now, including reading the news. Meanwhile, boomers still prefer to read newspapers. They like to hold their favorite newspaper in their hands and read the different sections as they drink their morning coffee. This doesn’t affect young people, so what’s the problem!?
Believing everything they see on the internet
Boomers are known for sharing ‘fake news’ online, which never ceases to bug young people. However, the kids take this the wrong way; boomers are just more trusting than younger internet users. We wish they’d just point it out to us and help us learn instead of criticizing us!
Falling victim to scams
Finally, many young criticize boomers for constantly falling victim to scams, but this is a misconception. As noted by the New York Post, the younger generation is considerably more likely to fall victim to internet scams, while us boomers are rapidly adapting. Scams are never nice, so let’s all try harder to help each other avoid them.
Up Next: 19 American Foods that Are Not Allowed in Other Countries
We can debate all day about who has the safest food supply in the world. Though, I’d bet you would be surprised at how many everyday American foods are banned in other countries. Most are due to chemical additives and pesticides, which, in places like the EU, cannot be approved for use unless proven safe. Let’s take a look at 19 of them.
19 American Foods that Are Not Allowed in Other Countries
19 Things That Will Happen When You Stop Drinking Alcohol
Whether you identify as an alcoholic or a casual drinker, alcohol can have a significant negative impact on your health. This is why more and more people are choosing to go cold turkey for the sake of their well-being. If you’re considering going sober but need a little more convincing, we’ve got you covered. Here are 19 things that will happen when you stop drinking alcohol.
19 Things That Will Happen When You Stop Drinking Alcohol
17 Things Guests Actually Notice Right Away About Your House
Inviting people into your home is a big deal. You may be very house-proud or house-conscious, and if you are either, you’ll likely get anxious about hosting. If this sounds like you, stop worrying and focus on the following 17 things that guests actually notice right away about your house.
17 THINGS GUESTS ACTUALLY NOTICE RIGHT AWAY ABOUT YOUR HOUSE