Boomers have experienced a lot of history, and this also means they’ve changed the course of it. While the generation can get a bad name from younger generations, it seems out of place compared to how much they’ve contributed to society. Here are 17 things boomers changed about the world.
The Personal Computer
Personal computers found their way into the homes of the public during the 1980s. If it weren’t for boomers such as Steve Jobs and Bill Gates, then this would never have been possible. They revolutionized the use of personal computers, which is why we now have smart phones, tablets, and laptops.
Medical Technology
Boomers developed lifesaving medical technologies such as the MRI and pacemaker. Boomers also invented laser eye surgery in the 1980s, which has changed millions of people’s vision for the better. Along with this, there’s also been a huge increase in vaccines, helping to prevent the spread of disease.
Communication
Email was developed in the 1960s, revolutionizing our methods of communication. This is supported by Phrasee, which writes, “The first example of email can be found on computers at MIT in a program called “MAILBOX,” all the way back in 1965.” We now have the convenience of instant communications and don’t have to wait for letters or make phone calls.
Environmental Activism
It was boomers who first recognized how important it was to be more eco-friendly. This led to the first Earth Day in 1970 and then later the Clean Air Act after many campaigns over the harmful effects of pollution. It was also boomers who promoted recycling and made it popular.
Music Consumption
The Walkman was invented during the peak of the boomers and this caused personal music devices to take off. It allowed for portable music listening, which was seen as revolutionary during the time. Without the creation of the Walkman, we would not have the flexibility of music listening we do today.
Activism and Protest
The boomers were a part of many protests, with an important one being the Vietnam War. For example, History writes, “Vietnam War protests began among peace activists and leftist intellectuals on college campuses but gained national prominence in 1965, after the United States began bombing North Vietnam in earnest.”
Television
Boomers were the first generation to enjoy the effects of television in the home. It became a central part of their home life and the whole family would flock to watch the news and other significant events. They created new consumer behaviors, prompting the development of televisions.
Hybrid Cars
As boomers were the first generation to care about the environment, it led to the creation of the Toyota Prius hybrid car in 1997. It was seen as a revolutionary moment in transportation options and meant people could help the environment. We now have fully electrical cars, which have significantly helped limit pollution.
Forensic Science
DNA testing was a boomer invention, and it’s meant more and more crimes have been solved, bringing criminals the justice they deserve. Nowadays, it’s hard for people to get away with crimes. DNA testing has also meant people can be certain who their biological parents are.
Retail with Barcodes
Shopping became much easier thanks to boomers. The invention of barcodes made life much simpler for cashiers, who could scan multiple items and ensure they were charging customers the correct price. It significantly reduced human error and meant retail stores could keep track of their inventory.
Gender Equality Movements
The 1960s were the start of gender equality movements. People across the country were pushing for more rights in both the workplace and society. The 1960s and 1970s saw women fighting for reproductive rights and more opportunities in sports and education. It was a significant period in the history of feminism.
LGBTQIA+ Rights Advocacy
Thanks to the Stonewall riots in 1969, boomer activists made sure that the LGBTQIA+ community got the rights that they deserved. There was also the first pride march in the 1970s, which raised huge amounts of awareness. Boomers wanted everyone to have equal rights, whether that was in marriage or the workplace.
Travel Industry
Travel massively took off during the peak of the boomer generation. It became a more accessible form of transport, whereas before, it was only available to the rich. Boomers made travel by air more suitable for leisure and it means we can now travel to any country we wish.
Suburbs
After the Second World War, the economy faced a huge boom and this saw the rise of suburban areas. Highways were created, helping to make areas outside of city centers far more accessible. People wanted to live in comfortable houses on the outskirts of cities, leading to more and more homes being built.
Video Games
Video games were first introduced during the 1970s and completely changed entertainment history. They started out in arcades and soon became personal consoles in homes, where people could play games whenever they wanted. It became a multi-billion dollar industry and still stands strong today.
The Cold War and its Conclusion
The Cold War was an incredibly tense period in history, especially after the impact of WWII. It was a geopolitical war that boomers were eventually able to put to an end in the 1990s. The fall of the Berlin Wall was seen as a major concluding factor, which many boomers would have been a part of.
Attitudes Towards Divorce
Before the age of boomers, divorce was seen as a taboo subject. People rarely got a divorce and had to stay in unhappy marriages. Legal aspects made sure that divorce became accessible to everyone in society. It was a time when people started to realize how important self-fulfillment was.
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