Baby boomers, the hated generation

[Onions]

Baby Boomers have been in the spotlight for a very long time, but now, as the oldest wave of Boomers approaches 65 and the attention once again focuses on the first "Me Generation," some in other generations admit it's a little hard to take.

"Everyone is sort of feeling like, 'Will these Baby Boomers ever leave?' " says Debra Fiterman, 30, of Minneapolis.

"Boomers have certainly sucked up a lot of cultural oxygen," says Leonard Steinhorn, 54, a communication professor at American University in Washington and author of The Greater Generation: In Defense of the Baby Boom Legacy.

"They are outsized. They changed America in deep and profound ways," he says. "It's natural for other generations to think they didn't get their time in the sun."

Other generations tend to roll their eyes at some perceived Baby Boomer traits.

Boomers seem to be "always examining themselves and their feelings," says Stan Broitman of Huntington, N.Y. At 67, he's a member of the Silent Generation, born about 1925-45.

" 'Am I happy?' People didn't raise those issues in the previous generation. People were always afraid to raise the issue because if the answer was 'no,' what were they going to do about it?"

"But in the Boomer generation, they did do something about it," Broitman says. "Sometimes it was drugs," but psychotherapy also became common. "People began to go for help because 'I'm not happy,' " he says. "And the divorce rates also went up."

Fiterman, who studies the Millennial generation (born about 1981-2000) says younger people who work with Boomers find them more hesitant to change and think Boomers seem "very formal and political."

"They get things done in a work chart," she says. "It's difficult for Millennials working with Baby Boomers who are so protective of their knowledge and reluctant to let loose."

To encourage better communication between generations at work, leadership consultant Tom Davidson, 54, of Richmond, Va., offers a program, "Boomers, Geeks and Geezers." He says people need to realize "it is our early life experiences that shape our values," which we take into the workplace.

Generations United, a membership organization based in Washington, focuses on intergenerational programs.

"There is some natural tension between generations," says executive director Donna Butts, 55, a Baby Boomer.

And, she says, there's "finger pointing about whether they've been too self-absorbed to worry about the next generation."

A good influence

But a USA TODAY/Gallup Poll of 1,011 adults conducted by phone earlier this month finds that most give high marks to the Boomer influence:

•52% say Baby Boomers have made things better for the generations that came after them; 39% say they've made it worse.
•57% describe Baby Boomers as "giving," while 37% describe them as "selfish."
•54% say the better word to describe the generation is "practical," 41% say "idealistic."
The results point out what Neil Howe, a historian, author and demographer in Great Falls, Va., knows very well. "Generations have mixed feelings about other generations," he says. "It's not just good or bad."

"I would say that today - in the eyes of many people in their 80s and 90s - looking at the culture wars and the unpleasantness of politics and the polarization and the meanness, they see the Boomer stamp," says Howe, 59. "They remember exactly what they experienced in the late '60s with their kids, and now their kids are running the country, and they don't like it."

Norma Downey, 83, of West Islip, N.Y., says she and her friends often discuss Baby Boomers, since their children are part of that 77-million-member group. In particular, she says, her book club often turns to a discussion of Boomers after someone has visited with the relatives.

"I grew up in the Depression," she says. "Baby Boomers grew up in a pretty good society. They had a lot of things. They all live on the edge. They spend right up to what they make. We always saved some, even if it wasn't much."

During his 34 years as a banker, Broitman says, he saw Boomers get overextended financially. "They've gotten into debt, and they haven't really figured out how they're going to pay off this debt," he says. "People just borrowed the max."

The work divide

The workplace is often where these differences between four generations are most pronounced, resulting in new companies in the USA that aim to ease the 9-5 generational divide.

"I'm hearing from younger workers that Boomers take their jobs too seriously, are too wrapped up in this thing called 'career' and have left things kind of a mess," says Eric Chester, 53, founder of Generation Why, a consulting firm in Lakewood, Colo. "The world is kind of a mess for this new generation to pick up the pieces."

David Stillman, co-founder of Minneapolis-based BridgeWorks, a generational consulting company, says the biggest complaint he hears about Boomers in the workplace is they won't delegate.

According to Gen Xers and Millennials, "Baby Boomers are not doing as much mentoring as they could or should. Xers are frustrated because they want opportunities to lead," says Stillman, 41.

But, he says, outside of the workplace, the relationship is quite different.

"I'm hearing from Millennials left and right how much they love, admire and respect their parents," says Stillman, co-author of The M-Factor: How the Millennial Generation Is Rocking the Workplace, out earlier this year. "I think a lot of the complaining we are hearing from Millennials about Boomers is when they enter the workforce and these bosses don't think and act like Mom and Dad do."

Michael Goergen, 38, of Bethesda, Md., CEO of a professional association and a member of Generation X, says he has a "very, very positive view" of Boomers.

"This is the group that mentored me in a lot of ways," he says. "I take the very best from what they have to offer and filter out the rest."

'Run ragged'

But that sentiment isn't often shared by others in Generation X, says Stillman. "Xer behaviors at work and in their personal lives is almost a counter-reaction to Boomers.

"I hear from a lot of Xers, 'I want to work hard, but no-way-no-how will I pay the same price for success as Boomers paid,' " he says. "These people were run ragged and were trying to keep up an unrealistic pace. It's not healthy. They don't seem to have a work-life balance.' "

Ken Dychtwald, 60, a psychologist and gerontologist in Emeryville, Calif., says he's concerned about what may seem like "Boomer bashing."

"I don't see a rising up among people against the generation," he says. "I do believe Boomers are self-centered, but at the same time, they are extraordinarily generous with their time, their money and their compassion."

Cory Zimmerman, 27, a university admissions officer in St. Louis, says he thinks his parents are lucky to be Baby Boomers.

"I look back at that time and think about it as a cool time to be growing up - the Summer of Love and the great cultural upheaval at that time," he says.

But, Zimmerman says, "I suppose every generation looks back at the ones before it and puts on the rose-colored glasses."

Butts cautions against generalizing too much about any generation, Boomers included.

"There are so many differences in this group of people," she says. "The only thing we have in common is we think we're fascinating."

[Screw_Michigan]

Welcome back, newslink42.

[Goober McTuber]

Onions,

As a member of the Baby Boomers I'd just like to thank you for letting me know how much my generation irritates you. Suck it.

[Wolfman]

What's with this generation crap? Another attempt to divide people.

[War Wagon]

Welcome back, newslink42.

bwa

[Carson]

Rack Goobs.

[BSmack]

What's with this generation crap? Another attempt to divide people.

You should live up to your generational name, You know, the Silent Generation.

[Wolfman]

Close. I purchased a colombarium spot for MrsO and myself in August. I wanted mine marked "Here Lies BigO and Why Not", but MrsO was not down with it. I hope you all live long enough to be able to plan for your final resting place. I never hear of the "Silent Generation", but if it may fit as people my age just did what they had to do, get an education, serve the country, work, raise a family and pay taxes. Beats the shit out of the "Crying, Whining, Pissing, and Moaning Generation" that followed.

[Cuda]

your own misguided self importance.

Irony much?

[Cuda]

IKIABWAY? Nice going, dipshit

[Mikey]

"Crying, Whining, Pissing, and Moaning Generation" that followed.

Pretty ironic coming from you.

[Wolfman]

To KC Scott: for your education, and God knows you need it---this is a columbarium, sort of a condo for small containers of cremated remains.



The concept of responsibility to someone's family by taking care of business of course eludes you. I picture your wife keeping you for years in your Lazy-Boy after you die--kind of Norman Bates style. She'll get over the smell in due time.

[Mikey]

I thought that colonbarium was a kind of enema.

[Derron]

Why not just have a nice little service, let 'em scatter your ashes and then be done with it?

Because this attitude that Americans have about death and funerals is what has made my nephew and his dad pretty fucking well off, in owning 3 funeral homes. Some type of societal thing about preserving the dead body in boxes and vaults,propping them up in the church and letting everybody wail over them. Fuck...you are dead and gone, why prolong the grief and get on with your lives..and this fucking huge business of memorial parks, headstones and all, you know kind of like the wedding business, preys upon these attitudes and mores that society has created.

My folks were very specific, were cremated and scattered on the Nehalem River in NW Oregon. I have my instructions to my kids, that I am to be cremated straight off,then after they have a kick ass party for the family and friends, and I want it to be a party..if you all got to get together to remember me, you all best get fucked up and have a good time. Drink, food, music, kids running around, dogs running around, do some target and trap shooting, and enjoy each other.

Then spread my ashes on the garden, on the river, from my friends plane after taking off at my airstrip, spread them on everybody's garden for that matter..just have a good time ...remember the old man when you look at pictures..and have a good time spending the 1 million in life insurance I am leaving you all. Total cost should be about $ 1500 or less, and that is already pre paid.

Spending $ 10,000 or more on a funeral is insane..but have at it if you will... :doh: :doh:

[Mikey]

KC Beowulf?

[Wolfman]

When my Mother died (at age 62 from cancer) she requested her ashes be strewn into her favorite trout fishing spot. Yes, she loved trout fishing. I had to do the deed. Had my waders on and walked out into the current of the Salmon River in upstate NY. Had a hammer and the plastic rectangular box with her remains. I smashed it open and began to scatter her ashes----errr---remains---some ash, some bits of bone including vertebrae. Then and there I vowed not to put anyone else through that. Do what you wish. My Dad's remains (at age 85 from prostate cancer) were supposed to be scattered into the Delaware River downstate by my sister. She kept putting it off. Years later the plastic box was still in her garage ! Dammit sister--- have you no respect ? I went and got a plot for him and had him put into a proper place. Whether anyone wishes to visit the grave and put flowers on it is not the issue. I did it out of respect for my Dad's memory.
Funerals etc. are kind of like graduation ceremonies and weddings. They are not for the people directly involved (dead, graduates, newlyweds) but are a social device for family and friends to either grieve or celebrate the situation. If you haven't figured that out by now, I guess you never will.

[BSmack]

Are Older Voters Blocking Social Policy Changes?

For the short term they will. As they always do. And then they'll be dead and gone. 40 years ago Mike Wallace was doing this kind of report on gays in society.



Now a majority of Americans favor repealing Don't Ask Don't Tell.

Change comes. It is inevitable.

[Mace]

When I die, I'd like my ashes to be spread across the naked, sweaty, body of Raquel Welch. I'll be dead and never know if it really happens, but that's only fair because I fucked her hundreds of times when I was a teenager and she never knew it.

And thanks, Onion, for the multi-generational thingy. Now go to the fridge and grab us old farts a beer so you can confirm your generation's place in society as our beer bitches.

[Goober McTuber]

My Dad's remains (at age 85 from prostate cancer) were supposed to be scattered into the Delaware River downstate by my sister. She kept putting it off. Years later the plastic box was still in her garage ! Dammit sister--- have you no respect ? I went and got a plot for him and had him put into a proper place.

The proper place was in the river per his request, you gutless fuck.

[Derron]

When my Mother died (at age 62 from cancer) she requested her ashes be strewn into her favorite trout fishing spot. Yes, she loved trout fishing. I had to do the deed. Had my waders on and walked out into the current of the Salmon River in upstate NY. Had a hammer and the plastic rectangular box with her remains. I smashed it open and began to scatter her ashes----errr---remains---some ash, some bits of bone including vertebrae. Then and there I vowed not to put anyone else through that. Do what you wish.

My folks wanted to be put in the river at their favorite camping and fishing spot. Who was I to deny them their request, and it truly the last thing I could ever do for them. One week before 2 of our boys left for Marine Corps boot camp, we went on a family picnic to that park and even their favorite spot was open. We had a nice BBQ, a few beers. The we all went down to the river, and took turns dumping them in the river. I started out and handed it off to each of the five kids. There were plenty of tears shed, but this is a life lesson. To try and shield them from the task that had to be done would have been wrong , and that of someone who did not teach their children well. That was 6 years ago, and we go to that spot every September for the family picnic, and I watch the grandkids play in the same stream I did, and walk the same ground their great grandparents did. I guess we have came full circle.

Sack the fuck up and do it. Show these kids how you deal with this shit. They are going to have to do it for me some day, so you best get a taste of what it is like,and don't deny it. And after we spread their ashes, we fished for the next 3 hours and landed 3 nice rainbows and 2 cutthroat trout, and then cooked them up and ate them. We made a somber occasion one that everyone remembers and we put a picture of them on the table every year, and everyone looks forward to it now.

[Derron]

When I die, I'd like my ashes to be spread across the naked, sweaty, body of Raquel Welch. I'll be dead and never know if it really happens, but that's only fair because I fucked her hundreds of times when I was a teenager and she never knew it.

Well ....I did numerous 3 ways with her and Farrah Fawcett..so top that !

[Bizzarofelice]

the baby boomers do suck. they voted to raise the taxes on future generations through debt. just so that they can be more comfortable.

future generations will be less comfortable so the baby boomers could be more comfortable.

[Mace]

When I die, I'd like my ashes to be spread across the naked, sweaty, body of Raquel Welch. I'll be dead and never know if it really happens, but that's only fair because I fucked her hundreds of times when I was a teenager and she never knew it.

Well ....I did numerous 3 ways with her and Farrah Fawcett..so top that !

Not really, Derron, because I'd already been there and you were getting sloppy seconds.

[Jay in Phoenix]

Well ....I did numerous 3 ways with her and Farrah Fawcett..so top that !

Now now Derron, just because you changed hands 3 times does not make a "3 way".

Silly person.

[Dr_Phibes]

this is a columbarium, sort of a condo for small containers of cremated remains.

And you're next to the lobby, by the pop and chip machines and the continental breakfast. It's looks like a mini-golf version of resting homes. Look, it's even got a lovely little driveway for pulling up in a cab.

[poptart]

the baby boomers do suck. they voted to raise the taxes on future generations through debt. just so that they can be more comfortable.

future generations will be less comfortable so the baby boomers could be more comfortable.

Damn, Bace actually gave a "political" take that is correct.

Yes, the Boomers were the first spoiled children generation.

America may have been able to overcome such blatant self-absorbed behavior from a generation, but the problem is that each subsequent generation has raised the bar.

Most kids today are selfish, ignorant, undisciplined, delusional, FAT, and just quite simply ... fucked in the head.

[WolverineSteve]

http://detnews.com/article/20101122/LIF ... n-sex-life

[Goober McTuber]

the baby boomers do suck. they voted to raise the taxes on future generations through debt. just so that they can be more comfortable.

future generations will be less comfortable so the baby boomers could be more comfortable.

You say that like it's a bad thing.

[Derron]

the baby boomers do suck. they voted to raise the taxes on future generations through debt. just so that they can be more comfortable.

future generations will be less comfortable so the baby boomers could be more comfortable.

You say that like it's a bad thing.

Yeah..it is not like the X,Y,Z, Q or whatever the fuck generations they are, are going to change things by buying new I phone's every six months, new 326 inch HD TVs, car payments, spending their time posting their sexual escapades on Facebook, by not having a fucking clue about the job market / work place, working for today and the hell with next year or the next year, and sitting around bitching about how the Baby Boomers fucked them....

Oh and to the late 20 something in my company that is not making your sales numbers and ignoring the training, mentoring and instruction from your sales manager (me) and the company owners, I am getting ready to replace your ass with some gray hair here soon... :x :x :x

[Bizzarofelice]

Most kids today are selfish, ignorant, undisciplined, delusional, FAT, and just quite simply ... fucked in the head.

you gonna blame the kids?

[poptart]

Partially.

But they are victims, also.

[Bizzarofelice]

I wouldn't say victims. I'd say they were raised by jackasses. Don't know no better. And the culture established by the grown-ups tells them it is okay to act like that. I blame Arnold for Diff'rent Strokes. He taught the youth to mouth off. If I said one thing Arnold would have said, my father would have punched my 6 year old stomach. Because of that, as I grew up every decision I faced was met with the spectral voices of my parents reminding me right and wrong. I might have schizophrenia, as well.



Also, it isn't acceptable to beat someone else's kid if they are out of line, these days. When I was a kid it was like the entire neighborhood was watching me with their pimphand raised to see if I slipped up.

[Bizzarofelice]

I wouldn't say victims. I'd say they were raised by jackasses. Don't know no better. And the culture established by the grown-ups tells them it is okay to act like that. I blame Arnold for Diff'rent Strokes. He taught the youth to mouth off. If I said one thing Arnold would have said, my father would have punched my 6 year old stomach. Because of that, as I grew up every decision I faced was met with the spectral voices of my parents reminding me right and wrong. I might have schizophrenia, as well.



Also, it isn't acceptable to beat someone else's kid if they are out of line, these days. When I was a kid it was like the entire neighborhood was watching me with their pimphand raised to see if I slipped up.

[Bizzarofelice]

and now there's hip-hop hamsters selling KIAs. what the fuck?

[MgoBlue-LightSpecial]

When I die I want you all to spread this thread on my lawn and watch it grow green.

[Goober McTuber]

When I die I want you all to spread this thread on my lawn and watch it grow green.

You live in Chicago. You don't have no fucking lawn.

[Mikey]

When I die I want you all to spread this thread on my lawn and watch it grow green.

You live in Chicago. You don't have no fucking lawn.

Maybe he meant his Chia pet?