Sunday, December 11, 2005

Baby boomers

Every once in a while, I talk about generational issues. It always bugs me a bit to do so because generational constructs like "Baby Boomers" and "Generation X" are based on gross generalizations. These generational stereotypes only really apply to a subsect of the age group. Sometimes there are generational stories that are just too good to pass up, though. One of the knocks on baby boomers is that they are incredibly self centered. The AP has a story about how Boomers are starting to doubt their legacy. I'd like to excerpt a couple of quotes from that article:
Unlike some of his contemporaries, Kovic sees no reason for guilt or embarrassment as boomers take stock. "We have every reason to be proud," he said. "We were brash and bold and beautiful."

Now, Kovic says, his generation will revolutionize a different kind of '60s.

"Often when people get older, they say to the younger generation, 'Well, it's your turn now,'" he said. "I feel very differently. Rather than just passing the torch, and saying we did our best, this generation — which dreamed such big, impossible dreams — refuses to step aside. It sees itself as part of change that it still passionately believes will occur."
...
"As an official member of the boomer generation, I do not believe it was intended for us to die," said Grossman, 58. "We were special right from the get-go — dying wasn't part of our script."

Boomers, I respect an awfully large number of you individually. As a generation, though, you produced a high percentage of pig headed jack asses. Of course, every generation does, but you guys really upped the ante. Just remember this: You can try to defy death and you can try to write your own history. Death awaits us all, though, and it is those who come after us who write our history. My generation's history may still prove to be a dismal read, but I'm not sure yours will be a great deal better. Perhaps if you really want to make a mark on history, you should acknowledge the failures of your generation and commit yourselves to correcting them.

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