Last week, while in Austin at SXSW, I found myself at a panel about the generational divide. On the panel were a member of Gen Z, a Millennial, and a Boomer. The discussion revolved around the generational divides, some of the unique issues among each, and some better ways in which the different generations could identify with each other based on the unique variables and experiences of each group. Of course, this was supposed to be a productive conversation, and for the most part, it was—until the Boomer went off the rails. In a few words, and I’m paraphrasing, he said, “I’m wealthy, I’m happy with my wife, we go to bed giggling every night, and I don’t care about the younger generations.” He singlehandedly took all the air out of the room and, in many ways, proved why discussions between generations are needed and why there’s such an unfortunate generational divide.
His statement matters because progress is impossible without cooperation between different generations. Different generations can’t cooperate if there is an understood sentiment that one generation doesn’t care. So, what has caused this disconnect, and what does it mean for Black culture, activism, and progress?
To begin, let’s look at the different groups and clearly define the age ranges so we’re on the same page. Boomers were born between 1946 and 1964. Gen X was born between 1965 and 1980. Millennials were born between 1981 and 2000. Generation Z was born between 2001 and 2020. So, in terms of this conversation, hearing that from the Boomers was disheartening since they are supposed to be the elder statesmen. But what are some of the differences that are defining their perspective?
Baby Boomers are the children of the Civil Rights Movement. Generation X came of age during the Fair Housing Act and the Black Power Movement. Some studies have identified that Boomers are work-centered, cynical, like monetary rewards, and don’t require constant feedback. Generation X likes working independently, likes flexible schedules, and believes promotions at work should be based on competence. When you combine all of these with the explicit racial overtones, the comment that the panelist made kind of makes sense. He’s made his money and doesn’t care. “I did what I needed to do, you should do it too” is probably what he wanted to say.
Millennials, for the most part, remember 9/11, lived through a recession, and voted for the first Black president. Gen Z had to come of age during the coronavirus pandemic and is more racially and ethnically diverse than previous generations. Gen Z and Millennials, unlike previous generations, utilize technology for their activism and are viewed as more tech-savvy, which leads to their need for quick results at times.
With all this in mind, why would a Boomer say he doesn’t care about younger generations? A few reasons come to mind. First, it’s possible that he’s tired. He’s been dealing with racial, economic, and societal issues for some time, and it’s quite possible he doesn’t care to expend the energy to deal with any of it anymore. There is also a perception that the younger generations don’t listen to the older generations. They see the younger generation as less respectful. Boomers and older generations also believe in paying your dues. They don’t think that the younger generations have put in the work to be entitled to some of the things they ask for.
Naturally, when they make statements like the one that was made, it leads Millennials and Gen Z to feel a certain level of frustration. We don’t feel supported and, in many ways, can’t believe that there can be a group of people who don’t care. This then justifiably leads to the younger generation completely rejecting the older generations. So what can be seen as being rebellious and disrespectful is possibly a reaction to a generation that seems to not care.
Some of the divide and attitude of not caring is often reinforced by the way technology is used to transmit information. With the rise of social media platforms and the prevalence of the internet, the younger generations don’t believe they need the older generations for both validation and information gathering. Young Black voices dominate most of the conversations online and are unreliant on traditional forms of media to gather or receive information. This may cause both a loss of some of the historical perspective that can only be gathered from listening to older generations and an overall weakened political and economic base.
So while the comment from the Boomer on the stage at SXSW may have been an isolated comment on a random stage in Austin, Texas, the sentiment must be taken seriously. More must be done to bridge the gap between multiple generations and to avoid a growing divide. Both the younger and older generations must shift their perspectives to understand each other. We don’t have to agree on everything, but at the least, we need to be able to listen and understand.