“OK Boomer”: Age Discrimination Cuts Both Ways

The latest cultural putdown and internet meme seems to be “OK Boomer.” In The New York Times, writer Taylor Lorenz defines this as, "Generation Z’s endlessly repeated retort to the problem of older people who just don’t get it, a rallying cry for millions of fed up kids." She writes that teenagers use the term as a comeback to "basically any person over 30 who says something condescending about young people — and the issues that matter to them."

Let me clarify at the outset that I am not a Boomer. I am part of what is often termed the Silent Generation. Born during World War Two, I was raised by those that I still consider the Greatest Generation, people who came out of two major wars and an economic depression but never gave up. According to those who study such things, people of my generation “exhibit a strong loyalty to their personal beliefs and possess a strong work ethic.” For the most part, the description fits.

Because of my age, I have become more sensitive to what is commonly called “ageism.” The definition of ageism is “prejudice or discrimination against a particular age-group and especially the elderly.” I notice it when I am asked to fill out a survey and the contact ends once I indicate my age. I notice it when someone assumes something about me that is not true, but they think it is because of my age. Don’t assume that I am computer illiterate because I am over 75. I am still learning.

My real concern here, however, is to point out how unfair and mistaken it is to assume certain things about individuals because they were born in a certain year. Those who dismiss Millennials/Generation Y (born 1981 to 1995; years used differ) as self-absorbed or unfocused don’t know many of the Millennial leaders with whom I have contact. Gen Zers (since 1995) often have a greater social consciousness than the rest of society and tend to be more globally engaged.

No matter what your generation may be, you have the opportunity to develop healthy relationships with persons of any age. The key to success in developing this rapport is humility. No one of us knows it all!

Young adults may avoid repeating the same mistakes by interacting with older adults. Older adults can learn much about the world, media, and emerging trends from young adults. In his book Reverse Mentoring: How Young Leaders Can Transform the Church and Why We Should Let Them, Earl Creps encourages us to learn from young and median adults in the church. They already have significant leadership skills and those of us who are older must step back and let those abilities flourish.

If you are an older leader, how are you fostering and learning from emerging leaders? If you are a young leader, who are you seeking out as a mentor? We all have something to offer if we respect each other, love one another, and affirm our varied gifts.

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