Ok, Boomer: A Guide to the Rallying Cry of the Next Generation

By J Clair

Lazy. Entitled. Dumb.

The words to describe Millennials and Generation Z have been said countless times, but now they have begun to fight back. The phrase, "Ok, Boomer" has become viral, sparking a rallying cry for Millennials and Generation Z to embrace and declare proudly in comment sections, social media and merchandise.

Although it is dismissed as rebellious and unwarranted, on a deeper level, the phrase speaks to the growing divide between the youth and their elders, a disconnect of ideals on how to progress society, and a commentary on our emerging fast-paced society.

In this short but enlightening guide, the war between Millennials, Generation Z, Baby Boomers, and Generation X is highlighted, discussing how the youth will shape our future, how the elderly still have something valuable to say, and why "Ok, Boomer" is simply the first shot in many battles to come.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kingmaker Press
• Release date: Dec 25, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393676768

Book preview

Chapter 1 – The Disconnect

OK, Boomer, is more than a phrase. It is a retort or a dismissive response to a condescending adult that believes they have all the answers. It is a phrase that is quickly growing in popularity after a Tik Tok video in which a man with white hair declared, The millennials and Generation Z have the Peter Pan syndrome, they don’t ever want to grow up.

Although many may see the phrase as just another act of rebellion, or one may ask themselves, what’s the big deal, the viral video mentioned above and the responses speak to a disconnect between millennials or Generation Z, and Baby Boomers or Generation X.

Unfortunately, we live in a culture in which elders are not valued for their insight and wisdom, but it is not entirely the youth’s fault, as they view the world differently and see how some of society’s problems could have easily been solved, especially with the rise of information via the internet. To put it bluntly, they have the view, if you know so much, then why is everything terrible?

Both sides possess valuable talking points that could be beneficial to our society as a whole, but it requires a great deal of humility, patience and exchange of information by all those involved.

Currently, each side believes that they know more than the other when it comes to particular topics. The young, with all their energy and fervor, seek to change the world through activism, protest, marches and debate. Meanwhile, the old look down upon them, shaking their heads as they mutter how, it will never work. Since they already lived through those youthful years, they remember how easily they latched onto ideas, and how trivial it all seemed when reality came knocking. They have lived experience that the millennials and Generation Z doesn’t seem interested in, and after a few seconds of consideration, the old insults come out.

Lazy.

Entitled.

Dumb.

However, what the Boomers and Gen Xers fail to know, or refuse to realize, is that the millennials and their younger cohorts are growing up in a society that is vastly different than the world of yesterday, and it is changing at such a rapid pace that they can’t even keep up. To adapt in the new world, it is almost as if their brains have to become like machines themselves, processing the good and churning out the bad, striving to solve the equations of life and come to a satisfying conclusion that is as close to the emerging reality as possible. They desperately want to see the endgame of it all, but it’s nearly impossible to perceive.

Boomers and Gen X-ers are closer to the end of their lives, and therefore they do not have to worry as much about the future on a personal level. They have already put in their time and labor, and they can now begin to enjoy retirement, while millennials and Generation Z have a different mindset from the start. The concept of retirement is a fever dream. They realize that most of them will probably have to work the rest of their lives unless there is a major overhaul in the economic system. Social Security will be dead before they can become old enough to reach the required age, even though they still have to pay into it, and pensions are on their way to extinction. As inflation continues but wages on a base level do not rise, many face the daunting prospect that the American Dream may be a concept of the past.

Reality becomes a formidable beast, and the generations prior have little answers besides working hard and holding onto traditional values.

Yet, these ideas are antiquated. What is a career when jobs are constantly moved overseas or downsized? What is home town community when they are killed by dying factories, loss of jobs with livable wages and structures that are becoming ruins? What is friendship when human interaction is muddied with social media? What is family when those that feel stuck are no longer confined by the walls of their community, or one can find those who will love them more online?

This is a new world, and the generation after Generation Z may not even recognize the society of their parents.

With so much information to process, so many options to consider, and so many corporations, trolls, online accounts, friends, family, advertisements, propaganda, entertainment, celebrities, religious preachers, activists, politicians, new technology and more vying for your attention...how can any answer be a simple one?

So, on a surface level, when an older person looks back on their past, before the world was even connected, and then looks at the confused youth before them, and says, Just do this, and you’ll be alright.

Ok, Boomer, isn’t the worst of responses.

Now, let’s dig a little deeper.

Chapter 2 – The Death of the American Dream

Notes:

Community vs Globalization (race, religion, outlook, etc.)

There is no more Other

Social Media

The death of the American Dream

How can Boomers even begin to understand?

Evolution is experience + knowledge + processing + adaptation

The Boomers will help us remember our humanity, values, our center, and to chill out.

An Ok, Boomer chapter on how the kids are being respectful and being the adults in the room. They will tolerate everyone, even you.

A letter from the author

PROLOGUE

Yield, before you dry-fire, Niam whispered into his son’s pointed ears. You forgot to retrieve an arrow.

Barik relaxed his stance. He let his arms fall to his side as his father patted him on the shoulder. There is nothing to be afraid of, Niam said.

I was startled, the young elf replied. I’ve never seen a creature like that before in the forest.

Come, stand with me on the crest of the hill. Its senses are dull. It won’t notice us.

Barik hesitated, watching his father climb to his feet and stand up tall. Unprotected and exposed, with only the trees behind them to shield their backs, Barik was puzzled by his father’s lack of caution. He wasn’t like this.

Hurry, before it leaves, Niam stated.

Barik reluctantly stood up and nuzzled his head into his father’s ribs.