"You don't understand yet" – we've had to listen to this phrase for generations. We – Generation Y, Generation Why, or Millennials. We are said to have high expectations, to be disloyal, and to suffer from Peter Pan syndrome. Responsibilities are unimaginable to us, and we expect everything to be handed to us on a silver platter. That's my generation. At least from the perspective of the baby boomers.
Now we're fighting back: "OK Boomer." What this means is: "You'll never understand, you're too old."
Is the "generation gap" widening? Accusations are being made without considering one's own mistakes. Statements are being made that have not been thought through sufficiently. Now there is a clear stop sign from my generation: "OK Boomer" means something like "Yeah, right, Grandpa." The slogan is going viral and is met with little enthusiasm by baby boomers.
"OK Boomer" is a phrase that developed into an internet meme during 2019. It is used to reject and mock views that can be stereotypically attributed to the baby boomer generation. The meme emerged in response to recurring generalized and derogatory criticism of younger generations and deliberately avoids substantive argumentation. It represents a generational conflict based on sweeping statements." – Wikipedia
When the mirror starts to hurt
It is interesting to see how this phrase used to describe the baby boomer generation reflects their behavior and meets with resistance. Baby boomers disagree with this "accusation." While it has become part of everyday life for my generation and the subsequent generation to be seen as objects—with phrases such as Generation Y, Generation Why, or Millennials—those who use these phrases do not find it appropriate to be perceived as objects rather than subjects themselves.
The harsh truth is: when irrational and almost disrespectful statements are published, I think it's perfectly okay to dismiss them with "OK, troll." This behavior is healthy and, at least for me, completely understandable, because the other side is not approaching the issue in a nuanced way either.
Own mistakes vs. mistakes made by others
But when you think more closely about this "generational conflict," it becomes clear to me that this is black-and-white thinking that doesn't get us anywhere. Both perspectives are important. Both generations can look back on a certain amount of experience and make great decisions together—if they want to. Instead, it's more about pointing out the mistakes of others without admitting your own mistakes. Strictly according to the motto: Wash me, but don't get me wet.
Personally, I find it unacceptable that politicians from the baby boomer generation make decisions about the internet without taking a million-signature petition seriously. By behaving in this way, they belittle our opinion and even disregard it. However, I find it just as unacceptable when my generation loses respect for the baby boomer generation. After all, we owe them a lot.
What did I learn from this behavior?
But before I could take an "objective" look at the current situation, I also had to go through a painful experience. Some time ago, I was sitting in Mr. Grundl's office when a dragonfly repeatedly flew into the window. At first, I noticed it, but after a while, I had to smile about it. Mr. Grundl then said something that had an incredible effect on me: "Mr. Roll, it's always easier to see other people's mistakes than your own."
Let this sentence sink in. It had an effect on me—and a lasting one at that.
Since then, whenever I see someone else make a mistake, I try to identify a mistake I have made myself. And lo and behold, I am not enlightened either. I, too, have room for improvement. It's good to see that. It's good to put my own house in order. Because that's how I become the best person I can be.
Yours, Marcel Roll
