Understanding the Blame Game Targeting Baby Boomers

What is it about this American pastime that seems so devoted to assigning blame for almost everything people find disagreeable? Recently, it seems that the responsibility for nearly every negative outcome—whether rooted in reality, imagination, or outright absurdity—is being placed squarely on the shoulders of “Baby Boomers.”

Who Are the Baby Boomers?
“Baby Boomers” refers to the approximately 76 million Americans born between 1946 and 1964. I am one of them, and I have noticed an increasing frequency of criticisms directed at our generation. While I have grown accustomed to hearing these remarks, one recent accusation struck a nerve.

Facing Stereotypes and Unfair Judgments
During a Sunday morning news show, I heard a prominent politician describe the Baby Boomer generation as “the most selfish generation” in history. That assertion seems more than unreasonable. How can 76 million individuals collectively earn the dubious distinction of being the most selfish? It simply doesn’t add up.

As a generation, we respected our parents and teachers, completed our homework, and contributed to household chores. We pursued jobs and took pride in our earnings, especially when receiving that first paycheck—I began working at age 15. Over half of us attended college, and among those, half earned at least a bachelor’s degree. We built families and careers, and now, many of us are retired or nearing retirement, often struggling to define what that stage of life means.

Recognizing Common Traits and Celebrating Positivity
Is it not fair to say that most, if not all, people can be selfish at times—sometimes more, sometimes less? Likewise, most of us can be generous, to varying degrees. I firmly believe that what we focus on is what grows. Imagine how our country, our world, and our lives might change if we chose to celebrate the good in others.