PEOPLE love creating conflicts. We are constantly at war with each other whether it be for money, weapons, resources or land. There is a unique war that has been going on for a long time – the war between generations.
It is a cold war of Boomers versus Millennials and Generation Z. Generation X are the unfortunate middle-men. Before we proceed, let’s get to know which is which.
Boomers or Baby Boomers are those born between 1946 and 1964.
Generation X are those born between 1965 and 1980.
Generation Y or Millennials are those born between 1980 and 1994.
Generation Z are those born between 1996 and 2015.
But there is a blurry line between Millennials and Gen Z. Even though I was born in 1996, people my age are referred to as “Millennials”.
Though they say age is just a number, different generations always seem to find faults with one another. When I was in college, Millennials were looked down to as spoiled brats who only knew how to complain.
Recently, the meme “OK Boomer” circulated as a response to the judgments brought upon us by our elders. It’s funny because each generation acts in ways that are self-righteous. Boomers think the younger generations are loud and full of complaints, when most of the issues the “woke” youth speak up about were caused by them.
Millennials and Generation Z think Boomers are all filled with hot air and dismiss any criticism they have with “OK Boomer” or accusations of hindering free speech.
Some of the criticisms actually do make sense though. It is a conservative belief but it is quite true that with age comes wisdom.
Gen X is left out of the banter but when they were in their teen years they were accused of being wild and rebellious.
It all comes down to not stereotyping or hating a whole generation. I know older people who are open-minded and support the voice of the youth. I know young people who are practical and level-headed.
Every generation has its own values, pros and cons. Every generation deserves to be heard. Shutting up an activist youth will not make our problems go away. Shutting up every word of advice from an elder will not stop us from making the same mistakes they did.
The longer we let this cold war saturate, the more painful its effect will be to our society./PN
