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“I’m With Boomers On This One”: 45 People Name Things That They Think Older Generations Got Right
Baby boomer is a term used to describe a person who was born between 1946 and 1964. This generation makes up a substantial portion of the world's population, especially in developed nations.
However, due to various reasons, such as political and social differences, younger folks aren't particularly fond of them as a cohort. They point fingers at decades of disregard for the climate and accuse Boomers of entitlement whenever the housing market is mentioned.
And the media isn't helping, either. There are countless articles, such as 'The Boomers Ruined Everything' and 'The Worst Generation: Or, how I learned to stop worrying and hate the Boomers.'
Image credits: profbobadilla
So historian Dr. Eladio B. Bobadilla decided to change the public debate and tweeted, "What makes you go, 'I'm with the boomers on this one?'"
In less than a month, it was viewed over 71 million times and has received plenty of positive replies. Continue scrolling to check out some of the most popular ones.
This post may include affiliate links.
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#2
Alexandra Davis 2 years ago
For disabled people like me- being able to control some appliances from my phone allows me to be more independent and do things on my own. So they do have some uses!
We got in touch with Dr. Eladio B. Bobadilla and he was kind enough to have a little chat with us about what inspired him to start this discussion.
"Like most things on social media, that post was anything but an original thought," Dr. Bobadilla, who is an Assistant Professor of History at the University of Pittsburgh, told Bored Panda.
"I had seen someone, somewhere else, say they were 'with the boomers on this one.' I can't remember what it was, precisely, that elicited that reaction. But I'm a historian, and although this was hardly meant to be an academic exercise, it sort of organically and spontaneously turned into one."
#4
Angela Kelley 2 years ago
Literally walked out of a restaurant last week when we were informed we had to scan the menu, which required providing personal information, and then, in addition, you had to place your order from their app. Bye.
#5
Jeff White 2 years ago
I just don't use Apps. My explanation is: I don't use Apps. And thus I apparently have three heads with the looks I get.
Dr. Bobadilla has a deep interest in how things change over the years. For example, how different generations experience life in their own unique ways and the quirks that define them.
"I wondered what other young people might respond with if asked this question in an open-ended way. The responses were delightfully grumpy, weird, and thought-provoking," he said.
#6
Skywitness 2 years ago
Wired earbuds also act as an antenna for phones that have built in FM radio. We don't need to stream everything.
#8
MissMePhoenix 2 years ago
I can't stress enough how sad it is to have grown up in the usa, to have been spoon fed "the american dream" my entire childhood completely believing it was going to be a reality one day...just to have it crumble and disappear the older i got. One full time job is just not enough anymore....i know far too well from experience.
As the replies kept pouring in, Dr. Bobadilla started noticing a few trends. "A lot of young people really hate QR code menus, think we should spend a little less time in front of screens, and agree that loud music is, well, too damn loud," he said.
"I found the aggravation with QR codes fascinating because we often assume that young people naturally embrace anything to do with technology. But it seems a lot of us still value doing some things the old-fashioned way."
#9
Say No to Downvoting 2 years ago
And can we please get rid of all the silent TV’s playing c**p that no one actually wants to watch yet our stupid brains keep being drawn to and hypnotise by. I’m here to socialise and eat - stop flooding my senses with c**p!
#11
Stardust she/her 2 years ago
I always make sure to not be on my phone if I’m outside with friends or family. I only wish some of my friends would do the same instead of scrolling through their phone and not paying attention to what I’m saying
#12
April Morris 2 years ago
I hated that all the way back to the 80s and haven't changed my mind yet. Paying huge amounts for torn clothing is insane.
In his book Generations, Bobby Duffy, who is a Professor of Public Policy and Director of the Policy Institute at King's College London, argues that generational thinking is a big idea that's been horribly corrupted and devalued by endless myths and stereotypes.
These clichés, according to Duffy, have fuelled fake battles between "snowflake" Millennials and "selfish" Baby Boomers, with younger generations facing a "war on woke" and older generations accused of "stealing" the future from the young.
#14
Nay Wilson 2 years ago
I have to disagree with this one. As much as I love physical books, Ebooks are better. I have 5000 books on my kindle. I have a tiny, 1 bedroom flat, if my 5000 ebooks were in physical form they’d overflow my flat
#15
Skywitness 2 years ago
I'm sure this is part of the reason I still have a close relationship with my adult children.
To see the true value of generational thinking, Duffy believes that we need to identify and discard the many myths.
For instance, Gen Z and Millennials are not lazy at work or disloyal to their employers. They’re also no more materialistic than previous generations of youth. Our focus on being rich is something we tend to grow out of.
Similarly, old people are not uncaring or unwilling to act on climate change, in fact, they are more likely than young people to boycott products for social purpose reasons.
#19
Skywitness 2 years ago
You shouldn't need to get financing for a concert either. Prices are insane.
Because of all of this mess, Duffy thinks that we often overlook the real and important generational differences.
For example, the probability of you owning your own home is hugely affected by the time you were born — Millennials are around half as likely to be a homeowner than generations born only a couple of decades earlier.
The professor said there is also a real cohort effect in the experience of mental health disorders, particularly among recent generations of young women.
Our relationship with alcohol and the likelihood of smoking is also tied to our cohort, with huge generational declines in very regular drinking and smoking.
#23
Almarako94 2 years ago
You just noticed your economy going down the drain. We pay like 3€ for a cheesburger.
According to Duffy, understanding whether, and how, generations are different is vital to understanding society.
The balance between generations is constantly shifting, as older cohorts pass away and are replaced by new ones. If younger generations truly do have different attitudes or behaviors to older generations, this will reshape society, and we can, at least to some extent, predict how it will develop and what challenges may lay ahead.
#25
Roan The Demon Kitty 2 years ago
I'm still disgusted that when I did my driving lessons I was told not to slow down for an animal on the road. If you do that during your driving test it can fail you. You bet your a*s I slow down for animals, and thankfully during my test, there was not any on the road, but I'd take the fail several times over if it meant I didn't run over a cat or dog.
The author of this thread, Dr. Eladio B. Bobadilla, thinks that one of the biggest barriers that hinder productive discussions between generations is people's tendency to talk past one another.
"This isn't new, of course; older generations have always had trouble relating to younger ones and vice versa," he said. "We experience the world differently, and naturally, we're all accustomed to doing things in our own way. And of course, generational values and priorities are often at odds with others as the world changes."
But, as this discussion shows, it's not all bad. "What surprised me was the commonalities. Yes, young people are one with technology, but they still find joy in turning off their devices and spending quality time with those they love and with their natural environment," Dr. Bobadilla added.
"I do think we make too much of generational differences. They exist, of course, but we have people who have more in common across generations than we think: we all want to be able to love and be loved, to be accepted, to find meaning and purpose, and to support ourselves with dignified work (that's the labor historian in me, but it's true)."
"Again, we often point to differences, but look, I teach 19, 20, and 21-year-olds. When I ask them about the people who mean the most to them, they often say their grandparents. Similarly, when I talk to older folks, many express admiration for young people's bravery and determination in the face of an increasingly scary and uncertain world."
"Young people still look up to their elders, and elders find hope in younger generations. As you saw from the responses, there are lots of ways in which young people might say 'I'm with the boomers on this one.' But there are lots of things that make older folks think, 'I'm with the kids on this one.' Maybe I'll ask that next!"
#30
Sexual Harassment Panda 2 years ago (edited)
9 pm is my bedtime! *to look at BP until midnight*
#31
René Sauer 2 years ago
For most electric things I agree, but not the windows. I love my electric windows and being able to open them all from the drivers seat without having to get out or bend over.
#32
JamezyJamez 2 years ago
Some people can't be cashless. For them, all they have is cash in hand, and if they hold it out, it should be accepted.
#33
Hollow Man 2 years ago
Nope. I'll take "i don't have the energy to fix this person/ relationship" for 500 Alex.
#34
Verena 2 years ago
This might be about picking up to-go drinks and food, instead of having a well filled larder/food storage from which you can cook a nice meal at home - which requires planning ahead, buying what you need once a week and spending time to make and eat. Which has only positive side effects: You focus on what you put in your body and save a lot of money.
#35
Say No to Downvoting 2 years ago
See, I really like a thank you email/message. It covers the sentiment just as well without the clutter and landfill.
#40
ninjaTrashPandaBoom 2 years ago
I used to love going to the airport without getting a full body cavity search. Also going all the way to the gate to greet whoever I was picking up.
#41
Chintan Shah 2 years ago
This is callous. So if you're weak and can't carry things or getting older in age and having difficulty lifting heavy objects, then I guess you should stop traveling and just sit at home and wait to die???
#42
Geoffrey Scott 2 years ago
Please relate how to keep a hat on a 9 month old without using staples
#45
Say No to Downvoting 2 years ago
Oh my god. I cannot believe that we can put humans on the moon and map the human genome but can’t make a f*****g straw that will not either end up in a turtle’s nose or disintegrate within second of being in my drink.
T'Mar of Vulcan 2 years ago
They make a type of compostable plastic from bamboo, and most restaurants in South Africa use those.
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Daniel Heys 2 years ago
Guys the plastic straw isnt the problem when the whole cup us plastic😭 im lookin at u wendys
Charity Angel 2 years ago
Metal straws don't work for everyone. I'm allergic to the nickel in them, for a start, but for people with disabilities that make it difficult to hold steady, a metal straw can cause injuries. Also, a metal straw can't have its angle changed for someone who needs that. (I carry a silicone straw, personally but that's got the same angle problem as a metal one.)
Load More Replies... Verena 2 years ago
Bring your own plastic straw if you really need one for drinks to go. The whole problem are not the straws as such, but people not being capable of putting their trash in trash bins. If people would keep their environment clean, instead of choosing to live on a landfill, nature would not have to deal with these dangers.
Nimitz 2 years ago
Meh, the paper straw game is getting better. We used plastic garbage for so long, we can suffer a little discomfort while this stuff gets perfected. Eventually we'll nail these environmentally friendly solutions. I'd rather adapt and accept than complain about change.
Nimitz 2 years ago
Also, this reminds me of an episode of Mr. Mayor when people complained about the lack of straws so the city handed out instructions on how to pour liquid from a cup into your mouth. Was a pretty valid joke
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Black Rabbit 2 years ago
If we had better waste disposal policies, this wouldn’t be such an issue. But poorer countries (or ones that just don’t give a fûck) just toss stuff into the ocean/river/pond.
Deborah Rubin 2 years ago
I like to chew on the end of my straw. Paper straws get grotty really fast.
Shaun Coleman 2 years ago
That sounds more like a mental health issue than a problem with the straw.
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AnonymousApple 2 years ago
I'm at a loss as to why drinking from a reusable straw is a bad thing. Just buy one and carry it around with you. It's not exactly a huge inconvenience, and it's a little something you can do to help the environment.
Virgil Blue 2 years ago
Paper straws are bad, but there are other quick degrading materials like a certain sugar based "plastic" that decays after being used. Probably deemed to expensive.
Kristal 2 years ago
Just take the straw out of the liquid when you aren't actively drinking, goodness
Say No to Downvoting 2 years ago
And now there’s dribbly smoothie all over the table. I don’t think that was the best idea.
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RavenTheCat 2 years ago
The problem with paper straws is they sog up or ruin the flavor, plastic is , well plastic. And metal straws chip teeth
Riley Quinn 2 years ago
Given the unimaginable size of unrecycled plastics in various corners of our globe, I think we should stop focusing on straws, which is a tiny portion of our disgusting overall reliance on plastic.
Mario Strada 2 years ago
When I was a kid we had organic straws. They were actual plants people grew and came wrapped in paper. They worked fine for me as a kid.
Paul Gerrard 2 years ago
We dont need all that plastic. But paper straws can go up your $utt. Why cant i drink out of the cup crapdonalds,?
Marilyn Russell 2 years ago
You know, I realized that straws were fun when I was a kid, but I actually don’t like drinking from them as an adult, so I have to disagree.
marianne eliza 2 years ago
All the decades human's survived with paper straws! The difference now is that people sip at their drinks over a long period.
Anna Drever 2 years ago
I’m old enough to to remember paper straws the first time round but ours were waxed. There was a taste to them that I missed when we went to plastic. I haven’t had a new version straw. Do they wax them now? I’m guessing not if folks says they fall apart.
Wren Hard 2 years ago
They are actually better for your teeth, if you are drinking soda it comes in contact with less of your mouth using a straw. You don't need to lift the cup as much, if you are clumsy like many of us it lowers the risk of spilling drinks or taking a too big sip and choking.
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Maximus 2 years ago
I mean if you really wanna be eco-friendly, don't use straw and just drink from the container. Though the container are most likely plastic, unless you bring your own washable containers.
Say No to Downvoting 2 years ago
This is true but some beverages do need a straw, like slushy-type things and bubble tea. Again, yes, the cups are often not eco-friendly either but, I don’t think the “all or nothing” approach helps with trying to get people to be more sustainably thinking.
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Debby Keir 2 years ago
I'm a boomer - I don't want a plastic straw because mummy taught me to drink straight from the cup. Straws are for baybeees.
Spencer's slave 2 years ago
As a "boomer" you can shove that plastic straw up your nose! Unless you're drinking a takeaway drink from a fast food outlet, most of which now have paper straws, JUST DRINK FROM THE GLASS OR CUP. Keeping your lippy intact is not that important.
Wheely 2 years ago
I'm pretty sure OP was referring to drinks that require straws.
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What do you think ?
Emma S 2 years ago
People should be smartly dressed for an interview. I've seen a lot of people under 30 going for job interviews wearing jeans or leggings. I'm not saying they have to be in a full suit, but a pair of trousers and a shirt/nice top is cheap enough and doesn't require massive effort. I'm 37 and my generation had it drilled into me at school that wearing casual clothes to an interview was a no no.
Maya 2 years ago (edited)
That's funny, we have the exact same issue at work...I'm 31 and we all noticed that the latests recruits in their early 20s all come to the interviews / work in jeans and sweaters, even though I work in an industry where formal attire is specifically required (and which is way more ok with smart casual than a decade ago, hopefully). We had to pass the message to the younger recruits. I can really understand that men are pissed with the suit + tie attire, especially in hot weather, but for women it's quite easy to wear a smart casual neutral navy blue dress / navy comfy work pants and a blouse, with sandals. Don't need to wear a worn out jean, dirty trainers and a red pull over with a big logo. Especially when you work in a bank. Maybe we're too conceited but I would be mortified to be dressed less professionally than the people recruiting me.
Load More Replies...
Sara Wilson 2 years ago
"Digital deals"! EVERY store now wants u to download THEIR app to get extra savings. I don't have enough room on my phone for them all anymore
kansasmagic 2 years ago
A lot of these were things that Boomers had no direct control over. Boomers weren't "correct" about e-readers and phone apps. They literally had no f*****g choice in the matter!
Ash 2 years ago
....at no point was anybody blaming Boomers for any of these things. They said that they were AGREEING with Boomers about these things.
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Agnes Jekyll 2 years ago
We have an indigenous plant here on the prairies. The city is trying to pass a law that if you have it on your private property, you will be charged $400 dollars because if a dog eats it, it makes the dog sick. My dad is furious about this, and I agree--it helps pollination, bees--it's part of the natural life cycle of our environment.
Alexander Elliott 2 years ago
Obsession with an actor's age. Ok, Leonardo Di Caprio has a thing for younger women. Aaron Taylor-Johnson's wife is something like 25 years older than him and he proposed to her. Helps that Sam Taylor-Wood is already a respected artist and now director. But don't go patting him on the back and saying he's awesome or brave for it. There's love and there's just burnout.
Šimon Špaček 2 years ago
Actually remembering things. Let's try this: Without looking, do you know 1) phone number for your significant other, 2) your parent phone number, 3) your workplace address, 4) your parents address, 5) your significant other medical details (what they would ask in hospital, alergies, used medication, insurance number,...). And that is just few little things most of us will admit that we should know just in case. But ask your parents or grandparent, they will tell you all and add a lot of strange details.
John Topper 2 years ago
My big gripe here is that half of the responses in "I'm with the boomers" are just bemoaning a bunch of c**p that boomers destroyed. We had the greatest generation to thank for unions. Boomers destroyed them. Repairable things were standard until boomers found out they could make more money by making that impossible. Half of the problems on this list ARE boomers.
Elizabeth Basinger 2 years ago
"Boomers" didn't have the technology or capability to ruin some of this stuff. I'm in my mid fifties, and MY earlier life didn't have the technology or capability to ruin some of this stuff! We were in the generation that designed, pushed, and promoted the basics of the computer-based appliances, cars, homes, etc. I know more boomers that aren't tech savvy than I do ones that are. I wouldn't lump all boomers into that one generic statement. There are a select few that contributed to these problems, but in my experience, these advances really started in the 80's and 90's and just kept speeding up. When everyone started getting personal computers, then portable devices, there was a dramatic shift in society. Users wanted faster, easier, better capabilities while on the go. Instant gratification. Less patience, less interaction, less accountability gave rise to higher stress levels, isolation, deception, and general unrest. Companies and developers realized that they could use proprietary technology and components that could not be interchanged as you could with older, basic mechanical parts. By monopolizing a specific solution, they could increase prices and profits. Simple supply and demand economics. Sure, you can buy the basics cheaply but to make it practical for what you need, you have to upgrade. The same principles are still being used to exploit people. Manufacturers have made it impossible to replace or repair digital items (cars, appliances, phones, etc.) because they make higher profits when you HAVE to replace them. Additionally, notice how advanced and technical crime has become. Cybercrimes are the fastest-growing illegal activity in the world. Why go to a bank to physically rob it when you can do it from the comfort of your own home by hacking into a system? Bullying, stalking, theft, and scamming are all on the rise because of the ability to remain anonymous and not be held accountable. I could go on and on about the moral decline and lack of respect that has arisen since the internet and the advance of the digital world have cone to fruition.
Load More Replies...
Donna Peluda 2 years ago
An old man I know was on a full on rant against the socialist government in Spain because, hold it....... The TV schedule was running 20 late. The fact that thanks to the socialist gov he gets assistance at home and his pension is locked with inflation even though he only declared in Spain for 20 years Anyhow. I went to walk his dog one day he wasn't well and he was full on angry about how the news was late because theses commies socialist can't do anything bla bla bla. Turned out he had paused the TV with out knowing and must have pressed play about 20 min later. He still won't admit it. Its the commies messing with him
Load More Replies...
Emma S 2 years ago
People should be smartly dressed for an interview. I've seen a lot of people under 30 going for job interviews wearing jeans or leggings. I'm not saying they have to be in a full suit, but a pair of trousers and a shirt/nice top is cheap enough and doesn't require massive effort. I'm 37 and my generation had it drilled into me at school that wearing casual clothes to an interview was a no no.
Maya 2 years ago (edited)
That's funny, we have the exact same issue at work...I'm 31 and we all noticed that the latests recruits in their early 20s all come to the interviews / work in jeans and sweaters, even though I work in an industry where formal attire is specifically required (and which is way more ok with smart casual than a decade ago, hopefully). We had to pass the message to the younger recruits. I can really understand that men are pissed with the suit + tie attire, especially in hot weather, but for women it's quite easy to wear a smart casual neutral navy blue dress / navy comfy work pants and a blouse, with sandals. Don't need to wear a worn out jean, dirty trainers and a red pull over with a big logo. Especially when you work in a bank. Maybe we're too conceited but I would be mortified to be dressed less professionally than the people recruiting me.
Load More Replies... Sara Wilson 2 years ago
"Digital deals"! EVERY store now wants u to download THEIR app to get extra savings. I don't have enough room on my phone for them all anymore
kansasmagic 2 years ago
A lot of these were things that Boomers had no direct control over. Boomers weren't "correct" about e-readers and phone apps. They literally had no f*****g choice in the matter!
Ash 2 years ago
....at no point was anybody blaming Boomers for any of these things. They said that they were AGREEING with Boomers about these things.
Load More Replies... Agnes Jekyll 2 years ago
We have an indigenous plant here on the prairies. The city is trying to pass a law that if you have it on your private property, you will be charged $400 dollars because if a dog eats it, it makes the dog sick. My dad is furious about this, and I agree--it helps pollination, bees--it's part of the natural life cycle of our environment.
Alexander Elliott 2 years ago
Obsession with an actor's age. Ok, Leonardo Di Caprio has a thing for younger women. Aaron Taylor-Johnson's wife is something like 25 years older than him and he proposed to her. Helps that Sam Taylor-Wood is already a respected artist and now director. But don't go patting him on the back and saying he's awesome or brave for it. There's love and there's just burnout.
Šimon Špaček 2 years ago
Actually remembering things. Let's try this: Without looking, do you know 1) phone number for your significant other, 2) your parent phone number, 3) your workplace address, 4) your parents address, 5) your significant other medical details (what they would ask in hospital, alergies, used medication, insurance number,...). And that is just few little things most of us will admit that we should know just in case. But ask your parents or grandparent, they will tell you all and add a lot of strange details.
John Topper 2 years ago
My big gripe here is that half of the responses in "I'm with the boomers" are just bemoaning a bunch of c**p that boomers destroyed. We had the greatest generation to thank for unions. Boomers destroyed them. Repairable things were standard until boomers found out they could make more money by making that impossible. Half of the problems on this list ARE boomers.
Elizabeth Basinger 2 years ago
"Boomers" didn't have the technology or capability to ruin some of this stuff. I'm in my mid fifties, and MY earlier life didn't have the technology or capability to ruin some of this stuff! We were in the generation that designed, pushed, and promoted the basics of the computer-based appliances, cars, homes, etc. I know more boomers that aren't tech savvy than I do ones that are. I wouldn't lump all boomers into that one generic statement. There are a select few that contributed to these problems, but in my experience, these advances really started in the 80's and 90's and just kept speeding up. When everyone started getting personal computers, then portable devices, there was a dramatic shift in society. Users wanted faster, easier, better capabilities while on the go. Instant gratification. Less patience, less interaction, less accountability gave rise to higher stress levels, isolation, deception, and general unrest. Companies and developers realized that they could use proprietary technology and components that could not be interchanged as you could with older, basic mechanical parts. By monopolizing a specific solution, they could increase prices and profits. Simple supply and demand economics. Sure, you can buy the basics cheaply but to make it practical for what you need, you have to upgrade. The same principles are still being used to exploit people. Manufacturers have made it impossible to replace or repair digital items (cars, appliances, phones, etc.) because they make higher profits when you HAVE to replace them. Additionally, notice how advanced and technical crime has become. Cybercrimes are the fastest-growing illegal activity in the world. Why go to a bank to physically rob it when you can do it from the comfort of your own home by hacking into a system? Bullying, stalking, theft, and scamming are all on the rise because of the ability to remain anonymous and not be held accountable. I could go on and on about the moral decline and lack of respect that has arisen since the internet and the advance of the digital world have cone to fruition.
Load More Replies... Donna Peluda 2 years ago
An old man I know was on a full on rant against the socialist government in Spain because, hold it....... The TV schedule was running 20 late. The fact that thanks to the socialist gov he gets assistance at home and his pension is locked with inflation even though he only declared in Spain for 20 years Anyhow. I went to walk his dog one day he wasn't well and he was full on angry about how the news was late because theses commies socialist can't do anything bla bla bla. Turned out he had paused the TV with out knowing and must have pressed play about 20 min later. He still won't admit it. Its the commies messing with him
Load More Replies... 
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