I am not your ‘boomer’
The article discusses the generational label 'boomer' and critiques its use, arguing that society is more divided by privilege than by age.
The article reflects on the simplistic generational labeling that often leads to conflicts framed as 'boomers' vs. younger generations. The author expresses frustration at people born in the 50s and 60s identifying as boomers, likening it to an outdated term that oversimplifies the complexities of societal divisions. Instead of fostering understanding, such labels perpetuate division and fail to account for the significant differences in privilege and opportunity within society.
The piece cites essayist Pankaj Mishra's arguments on how American influence has shifted priorities toward individual happiness at the expense of collective wellbeing. Mishra suggests that this cultural shift has led to a neglect of deeper philosophical discussions about the purpose and meaning of life, reducing them to private concerns disconnected from wider societal issues. The article argues for a re-examination of how language shapes our perceptions and the need for a new vocabulary that reflects current realities rather than outdated stereotypes.
Ultimately, the article calls for a shift away from generational confrontations and towards an acknowledgment of the more fundamental class divisions that define contemporary society. It urges readers to consider the implications of this perspective, stressing that issues of privilege and disenfranchisement deserve more attention than the often superficial discourse on generational conflict.