There have been more than 60 years of change between the oldest baby Boomer and the youngest member of Gen Z. Considering this, their obvious and sometimes divisive differences become less surprising. However, such a fact doesn’t take away their humble right to poke fun at each other once in a while.
That’s why the digital world is full of memes that friendly mock the quirks and oddities of these generations. Bored Panda scoured the web and curated a list of some of the best ones. All you have to do is scroll down and enjoy!
While you’re at it, don’t forget to check out a conversation with a leading expert on Generation Z, Corey Seemiller, PhD, who kindly agreed to answer some questions about these age groups.
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I just did the best I could to raise my kids. Build a society? New flash: there was one already in place when I got here.
I wish the people that make these comments would take a moment to think these things through. Baby Boomers just did the best that they could with what they had/knew at the the time. Same thing every generation does. As individuals, they had no more control over the society around them than the gen Xers, millennials, gen Z did/do now.
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Btw, this whole list is basically just people saying that boomers suck and made the world suck
Yeah, it's actually the rich people that made everything suck
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I had no idea I was supposed to be building a society. I've been spending all my time catching up on Blue Bloods.
Here comes the downvotes, but how about if you don't like your situation, pick yourself up and do something about it. Stop blaming others for your situation. There are plenty of successful people in all generations that have done that. If you think you aren't paid enough, go get a skill that will get paid more. Get a trade.
The government is supposed to be the people, but if we don't pay attention, it's the corporations. Of course it helped when they decided corporations were people with the same rights. Even though if their company kills people, the corporation can't go to jail or get the death penalty.
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Everyone could earn a living wage, if boomers, and subsequent parents are guilty of anything it's putting unrealistic expectations into the minds of their children. There's loads of things people COULD do to earn well beyond a living wage, the issue is that those are things that they don't want to do, because it's not their passion, or it's not what would make them the happiest they could be. People would rather suffer chasing after their "dreams" rather than accept "failure" It doesn't matter how much you love something, work is work, and it will feel that way sooner rather than later. You're better off doing something you're indifferent to, but can do well rather than chase after something where you'll struggle to be average.
You are going to get a lot of down votes but I agree with you. Maybe we can split the negative total
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In my country, unless one is moving away for a job, kids live with their parents. In most cases, they ask parents to move in with them in the new house. Living with parents is totally okay here
isnt living with your family the norm in many cultures worldwide?
More genx and the tech boom. But the lazy way us to blame boomers.
An entire generation who's only contribution to society is bitching about a previous one. Not even the one that raised them, but the ones that spoiled them.
Blame the politicians, not the people living in a certain time period.
How about you don't count on someone else to make your own life? I never counted on generations past to "set me up." I deal with the cards Life deals me.
Unless you are an orphan who was raised by monkeys/lions/feral dogs/etc you always count on generations past. They feed you while you are growing, help you develop your personality, send you to school, put food on the table and a roof over your head...
Load More Replies... I'm am exactly between Boomers & Gen X. Actually, Boomers almost totally undid, or allowed it to happen, everything their parents (the greatest generation Boomers keep saying) fought for: Unions, corporations were corporations - not people, no raising the minimum wage, banning abortions, easing credit laws, allowing banks to do business other than banking, making it easier to donate to candidates in secret. That's just a few. They did what a lot of hard working individuals do - gave them what they couldn't have - and spoiled them. My uncle was floored when he found out my sister (with a $100,000 a year job) did not have a pension & they don't even match her 401(k), while he's happily retired from the railroad with his full pension. They want us to use 401(k)s to retire, meanwhile salaries are way down compared to the 80's & if the stock market crashes, there will be millions of people with no retirement. Gen X just rode out the good years & believe the politicians saying capitalism is great. Not to mention the Libertarians. But capitalism only truly works if there is no regulation. But the corporate model that allows bad business people to flourish because they just file bankruptcy & open another company, while paying politicians to change the law so individuals can't do the same. I could go on but it makes me depressed. I vote & other than that, I stay away from the news. We're headed for third world country status, and that's just what the oligarchs want, since then we'll work for cheap & not care about safety or pensions or childcare or medical care.
Pretty much everything you're describing is government action that vast numbers of people opposed along the way. The government has taken on a life of its own e.g.FBI, CIA or been captured by corporations or special interests e.g. FDA, SEC, EPA. We need to find ways to reform it, shrink it, cut its spending. Change the lobbying laws, impose term limits, rein in presidential declarations and dictatorial executive agencies. Maybe most of all, stop the Federal Reserve's debasing of the money. I'm not sure how we can do these things because they are not in the personal interests of anyone in office.
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Actual GenX: Life doesn't remember that I exist and has definitely not given me any lemons. Pass the booze.
From innocent memes to Boomers ruining the economy to Gen Z being addicted to technology, generational stereotypes have become so common they have become clichés. Bored Panda reached out to a leading expert on Generation Z, Corey Seemiller, PhD, to learn more about the topic.
She explains that they are, to some extent, based on reality. “Either someone has a unique experience and makes a claim about a group of people, which catches like wildfire, particularly in the era of social media, or there is enough validation that something is true to some extent.
For example, many in the GI Generation who grew up during the Depression held onto hoarding tendencies even well after they aged out of an era of scarcity. There was enough truth in that assertion that it became a well-known characteristic of those in the GI Generation.”
Seemiller mentions that while characterizing different age groups is common, it’s often counterproductive. She said that assigning particular traits to a group of people fails to acknowledge the importance of outside factors that might help recognize why they're struggling. Let’s take the articles that say Gen Z quits when things get hard, for instance.
“First, not all Gen Zers quit when things get hard. Look at all the athletes, entrepreneurs, and everyday kids who persist beyond any obstacles thrown their way," explains Seemiller.
"Second, if a large number of Gen Zers are prone to quitting, what factors might be leading to that? For example, in the job market…is it to take another higher-paying job because the economy is tough and they can’t make ends meet? Is it to have a better work-life balance and tend to their mental health needs, which we know are high? There is always more to the story than just the observable behavior.”
Telly Savalas, the beloved poster child of the boomer generation. Smoker who could not quit for his dear life. Heavy drinker and alleged sex addict. Self styled "world class gambler" who lost millions at the blackjack table. Married a girl 35 years his younger. Discharged from the Army after training without a single day of active service (and went on to pretend to be a veteran), but landed on a cushy government job quickly achieving the title of executive director. Showed up to a random audition in place of a friend and got the job thrown at him.
I would GLADLY give up the 5x appreciation of my house in order for those younger to afford what I have. Tell me how to slap the s*** out of the market? I did NOT close a door, it was slammed behind me.
If we looked even closer at the data, we would see that to succeed in this day and age, we need to consider a lot of additional factors like rising wealth inequality, stagnant salaries, and the need for more advanced and expensive education to compete in the labor market. The “delayed adulthood” that many young people experience is not related to their personalities but rather to external aspects like high housing costs.
Another example where stereotyping becomes counterproductive is our concern over climate change. Many people assume that younger generations are the most worried about this issue and are the ones leading movements against global warming. However, after Bobby Duffy, author of The Generation Myth: Why When You’re Born Matters Less Than You Think, analyzed public opinion, he found that anxiety about the climate crisis is rising among all age groups, with little difference between them.
Some boomer got house AND regular vacations while working as mailman, waitress, teacher, nurse... try that know 😅
Whose fùckjng job was it to teach apostrophes because they failed dismally
In addition, he revealed that while younger-generation activism brings attention to this problem, Boomers are more likely to change their behavior to help the planet. This means that generational stereotypes of “selfish” older generations and caring Gen Z can be misleading. It also puts our faith in younger generations, hoping they’ll solve this global issue rather than encouraging all of us to step in and help.
Words I've actually spoken - "Yes, dad, the mouse. No, I still don't know why they called it that, move the mouse so the cursor is over the Save button, and left click the mouse. Press the left mouse button. Yes, the wheel is neat. Have you left clicked? Go ahead and left click. Yes, on the button we're discussing. Ok, go to the Start button and let's reboot. No, I don't know why you have to press Start to shut it down. Yes, I agree it's incongruent now left click on the Start button please. Try the other left mouse button. I didn't name the Start button, can you click on it please? ..."
Instead of stereotyping, looking at data and trends in a group of people and trying to understand them can be very informative. Seemiller suggests that this is extremely useful, particularly in working environments.
“For example, many Gen Xers were latch-key kids growing up—not all, but a lot. And those who weren’t still came of age in an era when this was a trend.
Knowing that many Gen Xers prefer hands-off leadership and autonomy at work (as evidenced by research) can give a supervisor a starting point to better understand the expectations of their employee. However, having a conversation about one’s individual needs and preferences is also essential," she says.
Duffy proposes that we need to stop blaming young people for something that's out of their control. However, the older generations often fail to see how much the world has changed since they were young adults, not recognizing that the opportunities they had no longer exist.
Instead, it might seem easier to rely on our subjective opinions and overgeneralize the young. However, Duffy writes, “It’s vital that we resist the lure of these simple answers, as they are likely to distract us from taking necessary action.
Haha that’s me! I’m early Gen Z and am absolutely not interested (or knowledgeable) on most of the late Gen Z/Gen alpha trends! I refused to become part of the TikTok world. And don’t even get me started on all the weird words these kids keep making up! I’m with millennials and the rest of them on that 😅
Meanwhile, Seemiller encourages us to appreciate generational differences, leveraging each other’s strengths. “For example, if a Millennial needs a lot of feedback, it’s important that no matter who supervises them, they provide feedback. We have to meet each other where they are,” she says.
As a person born in early 80's i'm quite amazed by Gen Z teenagers, they just know the world is f****d and they want to enjoy what they can. I like them.
She signs off by saying that people can take advantage of their differences and learn something from them. “Younger generations can learn a lot from Boomers as well as they can learn a lot from their younger colleagues/friends/family members who can provide an alternative to instinctual decision-making by offering more data-driven solutions. Thus, between the two, the best idea might emerge.”
There are some 2000 years old writing complaining about young people so i guess it's a human thing.
In case the joke isn't understood: Based on the popular meme: "Press F to pay respects".
If I’m being so fr we’re all gonna be killed by climate change or something lol
Wut? GenX ain't yelling at any kid. We're too busy and too apathetic for that.
Note: this post originally had 56 images. It’s been shortened to the top 35 images based on user votes.
Classification according to generations is actually modern horoscope.
So much this. Nothing about stereotyping is 'hilariously accurate' as the current title states.
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Daaaaaaaaaaa, shush! Be quiet. Keep your head down. Don't draw attention to us. They can play their little intergenerational games. We'll keep doing what we do, not attracting the attention of others.
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I have an idea for a better generalisation: boomers - hard workers, know how to raise even a large family in low income, living history books, fascinating to learn from. Gen x: firsts to experience modern technology, amazing to go to for technical problems of vintage devices, firsts to have more education options and work flexibility so great for career advice. Milennials: firsts to witness the raise of the Internet as we know it, flexible people, overly creative, "the sky is the limit" mindset in business. Great advisers to go to for those who don't want to have a typical, traditional life and need advice. Gen z: fearless, firsts to break the norm in a work environment, in tune with up and coming technology and fashion trends, healing generational trauma. How about we just learn from each other? ❤️
That's certainly a better way of looking at it, but even positive generalisations are a load of hairy old bollocks. Just as much as negative stereotypes, there are people who will fit them and people who won't. Categorising people according to arbitrary 'generations', and subsequently making claims about their personalities, experiences etc. only serves to divide people even more than we already are.
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I feel like these were all made by millennial and Gen X, with a few from Gen Z mixed in. But I could never guess why.
1. It's as if Gen Xers don't exist. (We're used to it and kinda like it as long as we don't get lumped in with Boomers.) 2. Disguising hate-mongering? These are all attacks on Boomers, and nothing the other way. 3. The WORLD is so, so, so very much better than it was in the 1970s, except for the housing market.
I think each generation can only work with the tools, knowledge and opportunities presented to them at the time. Did Boomers knowingly wreck the future? I personally dont think so. Are they aware of their good fortune? Possibly not… or at least, some do but many don’t and therein lies the problem. I’m gen x. Squeaked onto the housing ladder under my own steam. Had a small student loan but didnt have the expense of being expected to have a laptop, phone, car, multiple licensed “entertainment” … it was simpler and easier to save. Modern life is expensive. I’m also a parent to a 14yo (late mom) and worry for her future. The only capital I can give her is our house. And so it will be. Some millenials and gen z’ers will be fine because they will ultimately inherit the boomer wealth. But that doesn’t go for all, or cover everything, and I’m acutely aware of that.
I'm just gonna leave this here for anyone that feels like taking on Gen X : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAj429U_Ez8
Classification according to generations is actually modern horoscope.
So much this. Nothing about stereotyping is 'hilariously accurate' as the current title states.
Load More Replies... Daaaaaaaaaaa, shush! Be quiet. Keep your head down. Don't draw attention to us. They can play their little intergenerational games. We'll keep doing what we do, not attracting the attention of others.
Load More Replies... I have an idea for a better generalisation: boomers - hard workers, know how to raise even a large family in low income, living history books, fascinating to learn from. Gen x: firsts to experience modern technology, amazing to go to for technical problems of vintage devices, firsts to have more education options and work flexibility so great for career advice. Milennials: firsts to witness the raise of the Internet as we know it, flexible people, overly creative, "the sky is the limit" mindset in business. Great advisers to go to for those who don't want to have a typical, traditional life and need advice. Gen z: fearless, firsts to break the norm in a work environment, in tune with up and coming technology and fashion trends, healing generational trauma. How about we just learn from each other? ❤️
That's certainly a better way of looking at it, but even positive generalisations are a load of hairy old bollocks. Just as much as negative stereotypes, there are people who will fit them and people who won't. Categorising people according to arbitrary 'generations', and subsequently making claims about their personalities, experiences etc. only serves to divide people even more than we already are.
Load More Replies... I feel like these were all made by millennial and Gen X, with a few from Gen Z mixed in. But I could never guess why.
1. It's as if Gen Xers don't exist. (We're used to it and kinda like it as long as we don't get lumped in with Boomers.) 2. Disguising hate-mongering? These are all attacks on Boomers, and nothing the other way. 3. The WORLD is so, so, so very much better than it was in the 1970s, except for the housing market.
I think each generation can only work with the tools, knowledge and opportunities presented to them at the time. Did Boomers knowingly wreck the future? I personally dont think so. Are they aware of their good fortune? Possibly not… or at least, some do but many don’t and therein lies the problem. I’m gen x. Squeaked onto the housing ladder under my own steam. Had a small student loan but didnt have the expense of being expected to have a laptop, phone, car, multiple licensed “entertainment” … it was simpler and easier to save. Modern life is expensive. I’m also a parent to a 14yo (late mom) and worry for her future. The only capital I can give her is our house. And so it will be. Some millenials and gen z’ers will be fine because they will ultimately inherit the boomer wealth. But that doesn’t go for all, or cover everything, and I’m acutely aware of that.
I'm just gonna leave this here for anyone that feels like taking on Gen X : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAj429U_Ez8
