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Are you tired of the phrase 'OK Boomer' yet? Originating from the exasperation and futility of arguing with people who approach the world's problems from a position of security and privilege, the meme has quickly morphed into a lame conversation killer, mindlessly and derisively parroted by people who disagree with anyone who happens to be older than them.

I blame the online culture of 'savage putdowns,' 'mic-drops' and 'word murders' for this – we have come to believe that the way to 'win' a debate is to flounce out with a particularly biting or amusing insult, at the expense of logic and reason. 'OK Boomer' is not clever, and it's not even funny anymore. It's smug, boring and counterproductive.

This post highlights the generational divide that we face today, as younger people share the out-of-touch advice that they have received from their elders. Because let's face it, the structural inequality, economic insecurity and environmental destruction that Millenials and Gen X'ers have inherited are a direct result of the selfish, greedy neoliberal policies championed by Boomers over the last 30 years.

Understandably, the younger generations are a bit upset at their comparative lack of opportunities and are even more frustrated by the absence of understanding and empathy shown in useless pieces of 'advice' like this. But it works both ways. Whilst Boomers could better educate themselves as to the realities of the modern world, and acknowledge that the kind of lifestyles they enjoyed are excessive, damaging and no longer attractive or attainable; casually dismissing the opinions and life experience of older people with thoughtless phrases like 'OK Boomer' ultimately achieves nothing but more division and even less understanding.

What do you think? How can we better bridge the gaps between generations to have more useful, constructive debates and discussions? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Image credits: Freeyourmindkid
#2

Boomer-Out-Of-Touch-Advice

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Bonnie Blue Bird
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lots of people are putting their heads in the sand on this topic. It's a mystery to me as to why.

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#3

Boomer-Out-Of-Touch-Advice

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WilvanderHeijden
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nope. Even the pre-boomer generation wouldn't give you that advice. I'm a boomer but my father always told me to follow the money. If you can get more money working elsewhere then don't hang around and move on.

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Lynda Momalo
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Actually, my father (born in the 1930s) probably would have given that advice -- he didn't go to college but he graduated from HS, went in the Navy, got a blue collar skilled job (tool & die maker) and stayed there until he retired. That's how things used to be done -- "job hopping" back in the day meant you were undependable and unlikely to be a "good provider."

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Bonnie Blue Bird
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Companies are loyal to themselves. Even HR. HR is not there for the employees it's there to protect the company.

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Random Panda
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4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was told quite the opposite. My mom would browse through job postings like it was the morning newspaper just to keep up with salary levels. The other advice she gave was to not focus on money too much, but also find a workplace that is comfortable and more importantly make sure you like the people - you'll be spending most of your time with them anyway.

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Pseudo Puppy
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This advice is not a Boomer thing. It's been around for centuries, when education was rare, & long-term employment was essential due to limited opportunities. And not every boomer buys into this.

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Ed Souza
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I heard that from my parents and grand parents... I know first hand of how wrong they were when I was laid off after 9 years of working for a company.

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Jim Ellington
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

To hell with employers. The relationship is never equanimous. Like how you're supposed to give two-weeks notice when you quit, but you are almost always fired on the spot.

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Sean Harrison
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Boomers would never give this advice. The advice I've always heard from them is "Always look out for yourself first, never trust the company. they'll screw you over the second they need to".

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jknbt jknbt
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"B"......true...until the first time they have economic advantage by getting rid of you, like when you turn 55

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Jo Choto
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Excuse me while i pick myself up off the floor still laughing.

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Valerie Lessard
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Companies expect loyalty from employees but aren't expected to give it back

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Louise Brigance
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have been in the work force for over fifty some odd years and have found that to be absolutely untrue. And I've never told that crock to my kids either. I've always found if a company goes to some lengths to tell you how "family oriented" they are and picture themselves "all family here", you better watch out. They will kick your sweet a*s out pretty fast if you need too much "family time" for any thing.

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Zoe Farris
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No Boomer would give that advice, they would advice opposite. Be wary when giving loyalty and do't epect it in return.

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Id row
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Calling bs on this one. Why do you think unions were formed? Workers were getting screwed on the regular.

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Jessica B
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Unfortunately there's no guarantee that a company will be loyal in return. In the end you are not their priority. Do the job well that you were hired for, but don't give your life to it if there are more important things that will suffer, like your own family and health and integrity, if better options are available.

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Vaida Kuodytė
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ahahahaha. Companies have never be loyal to their employees, and never will be.

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Rebekah
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My boomer mom always told me: you won't make more if you stay at the same company.

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SBW71
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That used to be somewhat true. Not anymore...everyone is replaceable now.

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Doris Won
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They are loyal to you as long as you can make them a lot of money but as soon as you start to lose the profits then the loyalty's out the window.

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#5

Boomer-Out-Of-Touch-Advice

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Vic
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Now this here is good advice.. And the secret behind a long life is... Just don't die..

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#6

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Alia G.
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

wholesome :) i hope boomers like her know the whole ok boomer movement isn't targeted at her

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#7

Boomer-Out-Of-Touch-Advice

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Willem Groenewald
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Making that follow up call makes a big difference. I immigrated, and was applying to tons of jobs online. For weeks I received no replies and no interviews. I then started to call just after each submission. That same day I got two interviews lined up.

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#9

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Alia G.
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i think that's something healthy to keep in mind, boomers were part of the most intense first wave civil rights movements, they protested against wars, and some learned to overcome their own racism, sexism, and homophobia. "ok boomer" is used to insult boomers who refused to change with the times and continue to act like bigotry is acceptable.

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#11

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Foxxy
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Can’t imagine my hubby concreting whilst wearing a suit and tie. Impractical, unsafe and uncomfortable.

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#12

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WilvanderHeijden
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Let's reverse that: "If you pay me more I might be willing to work harder."

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#14

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Tambot
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Again, if you need something ask. I am starving, could I please have food might be a good start.

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#17

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Janine B.
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4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why not? A lot of companies will appreciate that. Maybe they ask you to leave your job application so they can call you in case they are hiring.

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#19

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Jo Choto
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People really fail to grasp the relative decrease in income compared to the increase in cost of living that has happened over the last 50 years. A minimum wage job used to be a living wage. Now you need about three such jobs to stand a chance.

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#20

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John Montgomery
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah. Because that's exactly what everyone wants. Zero free time. /full sarcasm.

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#21

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Jo Choto
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Always start in the mail room... even if there isn't actually a mail room. Just start there anyway.

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#23

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Vic
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Now here is where a fifth of Whiskey might help..

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#25

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Jo Choto
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There's an article out there somewhere, that showed you could pay your way through Harvard on minimum wage with something like an average of four hours work a day, and now you would need to work 72 hours a day to achieve the same (not the exact figures, but something equally crazy).

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#26

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#27

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Wietse Pot
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They should follow their own advice. Or is this one of those "Do as I say, don't do as I do" things?

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#30

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Note: this post originally had 96 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.

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