What the hell did I do? - a look at why Baby Boomers suck?! ;)
The animosity younger people feel toward the Baby Boomer generation is rooted in a perception that Boomers enjoyed a period of unprecedented prosperity and economic opportunity, while implementing or supporting policies that have made it significantly harder for subsequent generations to achieve a similar standard of living.1 This is a complex issue, but the main points of contention often revolve around the following areas:
Economic Inequality and Housing: Younger generations often feel that Boomers benefited from a time of affordable housing and strong wages, allowing them to easily buy homes and build wealth.2 They are now seen as contributing to the current housing crisis by resisting new development (NIMBYism) and using their accumulated wealth to maintain the value of their properties, making homeownership a distant dream for many millennials and Gen Z.
Education and Debt: The cost of a college education has skyrocketed, and younger people feel that Boomers, who often had access to more affordable tuition, have not addressed this issue.3 As a result, many are burdened with historic levels of student debt, which severely limits their financial freedom and ability to save for a home or retirement.4
Social Security and Entitlements: With a large number of Boomers reaching retirement age, there are concerns that social security and Medicare systems will be strained.5 Younger generations worry that they will be left to foot the bill for these entitlements without receiving the same benefits themselves, creating a sense of an unfair financial burden.
Environmental Inaction: Younger people often criticize the Boomer generation for a perceived failure to take meaningful action on climate change and other environmental issues.6 They feel that short-term economic interests were prioritized over long-term environmental sustainability, leaving them to deal with the consequences of a damaged planet.7
Work and Career: There is a perception that Boomers often held onto jobs longer, making it difficult for younger workers to advance.8 Additionally, younger generations feel that the "work-life balance" they desire is often dismissed by Boomers, who are seen as valuing a more rigid, "pay your dues" work ethic.9
It's important to note that these are broad generalizations and not all Boomers are the same.10 There is a wide diversity of experiences and views within the generation, and many have been fighting for progressive change alongside younger generations. However, the collective impact of their generation's political and economic power has created a narrative that has fueled significant frustration and a feeling of betrayal among those who have come after them.11