How Have Baby Boomers Evolved Since Their Youth?
As we age and mature, it's natural for our perspectives and values to change. This is especially true for Baby Boomers, who have experienced significant shifts in their lifetimes. While some aspects of their world have stayed the same, many have indeed evolved, as I can attest from personal experience and observation.
Personal Reflection and Views on Change
My journey as a Gen X individual raised in the South by Baby Boomer parents has given me unique insights into how Baby Boomers have changed since their youth. In retrospect, I realize that my own views have evolved significantly over the years.
For instance, growing up, I felt that the United States (U.S.) was a nation that I could defend with my life if necessary. However, experiences like the "WMD's in Iraq" saga and subsequent U.S. conflicts have led me to reassess my views. Similarly, I always believed that Americans valued and supported their education system, but I was wrong about that too. Additionally, my acceptance and tolerance of everyone have been tested, and in the case of gun ownership and the resulting violence, I was wrong yet again. These realizations have influenced my decision to no longer live in the U.S.
Adaptation to Technological Changes
Baby Boomers have had to adapt to a plethora of new technologies throughout their lives. My father, when he was a child, was one of the first in his area to get a television. As he grew up, he witnessed the advent of color TVs, cable TV, VCRs, cell phones, and the Internet. These changes were not just technical; they transformed the way Baby Boomers interacted with the world and communicated with one another.
Challenging Traditional Views
One of the significant challenges Baby Boomers faced was reconsidering long-held views about racial inequality. The television series All In The Family, which featured the character Archie Bunker, brought these issues to the forefront. This series challenged mainstream white Baby Boomers to re-evaluate their deeply ingrained beliefs about race. This period was particularly daunting, given the entrenched segregation and systemic racism that many Baby Boomers had grown up with. Despite these challenges, many Baby Boomers have become less racist and more accepting over time.
Lingering Effects of Post-WWII Era
Growing up, Baby Boomers often experienced a post-WWII era where Europe was decimated and the U.S. became a global manufacturing hub offering high-paying jobs right out of high school. This contributed to a sense of stability and a clear ladder of success. However, the current era is marked by a shift where the need for advanced education and the image of a barista with a bachelor's degree living with their parents for years are common. Technology has improved physical labor, but society has become more complex, leading to increased diversity and division.
Impact of Upbringing and Parental Influence
Baby Boomers were raised by the Great Generation, who lived through hard times without much social safety net. While Baby Boomers themselves came of age during relative prosperity, their views on poverty, self-reliance, and personal responsibility were shaped by their parents' experiences. This has led to a generation that despite evolving, still carries the mark of resilience and a strong sense of personal responsibility.
Overall, while Baby Boomers have adapted to significant technological changes and societal shifts, their core values and many of their foundational beliefs have endured. Their journey from a world based on post-war normalcy to the complexities of the modern era reflects a remarkable evolution in thought and perspective.