I’ve learned to shrug off those moments when some peanut brained half-wit makes hurtful comments about me. It’s easy to tell myself to consider the source. But it’s different when someone with a powerful reputation and a large sphere of influence takes a pot shot at you. In those rare moments it is time to pay attention.
For years I’ve read negative comments from various pundits about Baby Boomers. Maybe you too have heard negative comments about Boomers. Here’s a few random examples:
- 74% of those surveyed in a Zogby poll said the Boomer legacy was self-indulgence or they were uncertain what it might be.
- An article appearing in the Atlantic opened with these words describing Boomers: “Self-absorbed, self-indulged, and self-loathing…”
- Amy Henderson, writing an article about Boomers for the Smithsonian, gave her article this title: “When It Comes To the Baby Boomers, It Is Still All About Me.”
You get the picture. Boomers have become a favorite target for talking heads and typing fingers. There is no shortage of people taking potshots at my generation. But here’s what hurts.
Google thinks the Baby Boomer generation sucks.
It is time to take notice. I’m taking this as a call to action. Baby Boomers need to rise up and make a difference.
Isn’t it funny how we often personify Google? The behemoth search engine has us saying things like, “Google says” or “According to Google” or “Google thinks” as though it is a living entity.
Recently, while typing in the phrase “Baby Boomer” I noticed the drop down menu revealing Google’s suggestions for a more helpful search. The picture I’ve attached is an actual screenshot from my iPhone. I’ve highlighted the fourth line down in yellow. Do you see it? Google thinks Baby Boomers suck.
I’m not too concerned about Zogby polls or what the Atlantic or Smithsonian says about Boomers. Meh. Who cares? But now Google has weighed us in the balances and found us wanting. We suck. And, as we all know, if Google says it, it must be true.
So what will we do? Here are the three simple options as I see them:
- Do nothing.
- Do everything.
- Do something.
Which option will you choose? I can’t do everything. Strike that option off the list. I’ve also scratched off the “do nothing” option. I care about our generational legacy because it impacts my kids and grandkids. Here’s what remains: do something.
I’m wondering what would happen if the massive Boomer Nation would rise up and make one final attempt to make this world a better place?
Some will scoff and call this post an idealistic piece of sentimental garbage. Perhaps. But I remember back in the 60s every Boomer thought they could change the world. Am I the only remaining daydream believer?
I’m accepting my own challenge to change the Boomer legacy and make this world a better place. Before the days is out I WILL do something, even if it is a little thing, to make this world a better place. Feel free to hold me accountable.
Any other Boomers care to join me?
CHANGING. THE. BOOMER. LEGACY. ONE. ACT. AT. A. TIME.
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Agreed. Let’s do something because it is the RIGHT thing to do. But I may start adressing some of those ‘voices’ by taking away their iPhone and shutting off the WiFi………nuff said. ;)
In case anyone is wondering here’s my accountability. I just made a KIVA loan to Lorena who lives in
Sololá, Guatemala. We’ve been to this city which overlooks beautiful Lake Atitlan. She plans to buy a motorbike to start a little taxi service business.
If you’ve never checked out Kiva.com you ought to do it! They provide loans for people in poor regions of the world who want to better their lives. Many of them live in areas of the world where the banking system cannot provide a loan.
I support a guy called “Kid Min” Charlie based in Texas. He takes a brightly colored and appealing to kids bus which he has outfitted as a Kid Min space. Charlie goes all over the country and goes to parks and places where there are kids and introduces them to Jesus. Over 6500 kids have made decisions to follow Jesus. He lives in a mobile home when not on the road…sleeps on the floor. He takes no salary from anywhere, just trusts the Lord for the outcome.