Recently, I was corrected by none other than a Gen X priest who attempted to redefine my statement, light heartedly, that I was erroneously referring to my generation as Baby Boomers…he believed we were the newest of the ELDERS…to which I replied, lightheartedly, as well,
“I beg your pardon, Father!”... game ON…I’d check my sources and he could confirm his. Here we are weeks later and I’m still
searching the internet for collaborating details that would confirm these totally unimportant facts that are creating havoc among all of us intent on coming out on top. (ok, mostly me wanting to still claim that coveted age group title of those born 1946-1964, THE BEST OF THE BEST GENS…THE BABY BOOMERS.
I can admit now, weeks later that statement may have been a little irritating but all of it was said in good fun, kind of.
Who made up these declarations anyway and moreso, who named these groups with a degree of certainty that has only been trumped by the existence of Santa Claus.
Turns out that the generations got their names as a way to understand and communicate experiences and cultural patterns among people born in similar time periods…often associated with historical events and social trends.
It’s incredibly interesting to note that at this time in our history there are five to six generations, alive, at one time.
…and we’re getting along so well, aren’t we?
Here’s the breakdown for all of you who've wondered and haven’t been able to sleep or have an intelligent conversation about these facts, like me.
-Post-War/WWII generations: 1928-1945, still living.
-Baby Boomers: born 1946-1964 ( yes, Father, that’s me)
-Generation X: born between 1965 and 1979/1980
-Millenials: born between 1981 and 1996
-Generation Z: born between 1997 and 2012
-Generation Alpha: born between 2010/ 2012 and 2025
-Generation Beta: Born starting in 2025
In truth, we Baby Boomers do have a degree of limitations especially given the integration necessary to function in this world that relates to technology.
Listen up Boomers…it’s time to give up the land line even if you think you’ll need it in the event of an emergency. QUICK…say your old land line phone number…! Yup, no one remembers theirs let alone the 911 operator.
TUPPERWARE containers need to GO….
STOP calling every streaming service..NETFLIX.
There is no need to say “thank you” to the Alexa device…none.
Shorten the group texts, no ones reading beyond the first two lines especially if it’s from “us”.
This one hurt like I stubbed my toe…no one expects us to sign a text any longer with “love Mom”...ouch.
We need to stop using emojis for punctuation. Anything more than one smiley face is dating us.
I can go on and on…but that’s another “no, no!”
Get over it.
Ok, before I conclude, here’s a confession. Just perhaps, like the last line in the bio of my first book stating “we’re the best generation of all time!’ is what triggered the debate between Father and myself and may have been a bit over the top but I will say this…we’ve come darn close.
Pat Larsen is a syndicated columnist who lives, works, plays and prays in Greene County. NY.
Pat brings dance fitness programs to her students, mostly Baby Boomers, who love the best music ever created from that period of time. Perhaps another column will be born from that consideration. Pelarsen5@aol.com or call her at 518-275-8686.
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