By Erica Gustafson, Staff Writer
Generations have been associated with specific stereotypes for the longest time and this pandemic is increasing the divide between them. It does not mean that the groups do not get along, but they associate with misconceptions based on judgments and not facts.
Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials and Gen Z are the four most recent generations starting from 1946 until now. The basis of many of these misconceptions is the lack of factual support for each statement made. Most people make assumptions based on their personal views and do not even understand the difference in generation groups. People today are typically referred to as having a millennial or baby boomer mindset.
The most common misconception of millennials today is that they are unemployed, greedy, entitled individuals who depend too much on their parents. Many people who support these stereotypes might not understand the lives of these people behind the numbers. The lower half of the age group represented is most likely in some sort of full-time education still. This means that they are less likely to have a job and are most likely to be still living with their parents. It also adds to the numbers that the U.S. Census categorizes college dormitories as “living at home.” Once these millennials step into an official work environment, they are known to work hard and succeed for themselves and those they wish to make proud.
The Baby Boomer generation has its stereotypes that do not necessarily describe the group. These adults are thought of as people who are not really “tech-savvy” and avoid spending large amounts of money apart from the brands that they trust. They are thought of to be stuck in their ways and they are too judgmental of those who did not grow up at the same time they did. In reality, these adults are quick to learn and adjust to new technologies and they like to explore the innovative items of today.
When it comes to the beginning of the pandemic, many of these misconceptions joined with others to divide the generations even more. Though many millennials did jump at the chance to book cheap flights during the start of the pandemic, they have changed course to staying home as it has increasingly developed. Many millennials report that they became increasingly stressed as they were dealing with protocols and parents who tried to cheat around the safety precautions.
Baby Boomers, on the other hand, started with trying to continue with socializing events. After that type of avoidance, many adults were seen purchasing large amounts of necessary items in a state of panic.
In all the generations, people were judging and pointing out others for not caring enough or following the rules to what they thought of as right. Millennials, Baby Boomers and other generations were not only concerned for their own safety but the well-being of others. It is not something that can necessarily be “fixed” and we will have to see how the generations adjust their thinking as time passes.
gustafea18@bonaventure.edu
