Baby Boomer Myths
What Do You Think?
Comments 16
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25 Oct 2021
I agree with every word of this blog,you have a way with words Tricia that reaches into part of my brain and pull memories good and bad to the fore. I found myself nodding and smiling and tearful all at the same time. Oh but we troopers have really lived lives of such diversity. Thank you Tricia for another great blog.
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24 Oct 2021
I'm a boomer but, unlike the stereotype, I wasn't able to buy a property until I was 39 and then only by teaming up with another boomer in a similar situation; neither of us had parents who could help us financially. Like so many others, I campaigned for all the legislation that younger people take for granted - equal pay, gender equality, race equality, maternity leave, etc. - because I encountered such rampant sexism when I was starting my career and was denied the opportunities I wanted to pursue. I joined my employer's pension scheme, because it was compulsory, and paid all my Income Tax and NI. I get cross when older people are all assumed to be IT illiterate. I'm extremely competent with technology because, as soon as desktop computers came in - remember the clunky machinery, thin paper and squeaky little printers? - I got on board and acquired the skills, as it was clearly the direction in which everything would go. I get fed up with being labelled as narrow minded, conservative and anti-progress just because of my age - like many older people, I do a massive amount of voluntary work in my community. I worry about the effects of the pandemic on the mental health of teenagers and young adults, not to mention the debt that they're already saddled with if they go to university - blame the politicians for that, not the boomers!
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24 Oct 2021
I think ascribing a whole set of characteristics to a whole generation is lazy journalism. We are all individuals, with our own backgrounds, life experiences and so on. When we were born may have some impact on our opinions and behaviour, but our family background, education, where we live, career or stay-at -home wife and mother probably has more relevance. I was born in August 1946, to parents who both were in the Army in World War 2. I'm sure my mother's experiences had an impact on how she raised me and my sister (born 1947), whereas my mother-in-law was a civilian with a small daughter during the same period, which must have had a different effect on how she raised my husband (he's a week older than me). Its an interesting topic. As for technology, some of us had to acquire a working knowledge during our careers, so not all of us are incapable of getting to grips with it when necessary. Anyway, it all works wonderfully until there is a power cut! Personally, I was using technology at work (I was a Chartered librarian) when it was introduced in the late 1980's, but was aware than many libraries had introduced it much earlier, some in the late 1960's.
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24 Oct 2021
I love your blogs, but this one is just great.....I walked every step with you, born in 1948, married in 1970, and a female grandchild just 5 years old who having started in school in September aged 4+ is already a school councillor! Clearly she is of the same batch as your grandchild! I was sad for you having to leave your home in France and a little pensive too, as my son and his wife are in the process of buying a house in France which they intend to make their permanent home! Tricia, you have inspired me and encouraged me during these difficult times and I just wanted to thank you.
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24 Oct 2021
Once again, Tricia, you've hit the nail on the head. Dread to think what my generation is called being a 1940s baby!! I love technology although I'm not too keen on grandchildren spending so much time on their screens. And what amuses me is young people who assume I sit at home and do nothing. When I tell them I'm a graphic designer and work full time from home, jaws drop. Well, I'll be 81 in about six weeks but in my head I'm 40 and love what I do. Thank you so much for all your insight, Tricia. I really enjoy the read every Sunday.