Millennials are often quick to criticize baby boomers, attributing many of today’s challenges to decisions made by the older generation, but there are several aspects of the boomer era that even the most discerning millennials acknowledge were done right. In this article, we highlight areas where boomers deserve credit.
Embracing DIY Culture
Millennials who enjoy DIY have boomers to thank for that. DIY became popular during the boomer era, and it’s likely that millennials have picked up their skills. Many boomers would make home improvements and complete any repairs themselves, such as painting or putting up shelves.
Innovating in Technology and Computing
Everything Zoomer writes, “Baby Boomers have made the earth a better place to live, thanks to many ground-breaking inventions.” People forget that the rapid growth of technology we see today started in the boomer era. Many tech and computer companies started back then but have seen large growth in more recent times.
Promoting Environmental Awareness
In today’s society, a lot goes on to protect the environment. But many forget that a lot of the work was started by boomers. In 1970, we saw the first Earth Day, which was set up by environmental boomer activists. They also began raising awareness about the importance of recycling.
Space Exploration
According to Windsong Properties, every generation tends to have a standout moment, and for boomers, it can be argued that Sunday, July 20th, 1969, was the generation’s greatest achievement as they watched Apollo 11 on TV. Boomers witnessed the first humans step on the moon, with younger generations yet to witness this live.
Cultivating Classic Rock
Many millennials enjoy listening to classic rock. Woke millennials know to thank boomers for this. Classic rock took off in the boomer era and became extremely popular. It saw the rise of some of the most famous bands, such as The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.
Advancing Civil Rights Movements
Boomers played a key role in the progression of civil rights movements throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Their involvement saw significant changes with the introduction of the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act. This laid the groundwork for human rights and equality which many benefit from today.
Strengthening Economic Prosperity
Boomers lived through a large period of significant economic growth. This period saw a big increase in homeownership and household wealth. Millennials have started to benefit from this more with the household wealth being passed down to them. This period also saw a strong investment in education, which the country still benefits from today.
Valuing Hard Work and Determination
Boomers have a strong work ethic and have been determined to be successful in life. It has been these values that have helped them achieve all they wanted in life. Boomers have passed these values on to millennials and are proof that you can be successful in life.
Supporting Arts and Culture
Millennials who enjoy arts and culture should be grateful for boomers, as they were fundamental in expanding access to this industry across the country. It can also be argued that boomers had the biggest influence on literature, film, and theater throughout the 20th century.
Developing Modern Feminism
Boomers did many great things during their era, but arguably one of the best things they did was for women. Boomers pushed for workplace rights, reproductive freedoms, and legal equality. This hard work for women’s rights has been an incredible success, and it’s something many boomers still support today.
Revolutionizing Media and Broadcasting
News Wise reports, “Everything the baby boomers did was based on what they saw on television. They grew up as television grew up, and each had an impact on each other.” This admiration for TV has been passed down through generations and is why we have so many viewing options today.
Fostering a Global Perspective
Boomers had a huge impact on promoting globalization. They were keen to encourage cultural exchanges to learn about and understand other parts of the world. Their focus on peace and human rights saw an impact on global policies, and although this didn’t change every country, it did in many.
Enhancing Public Health and Safety
Health and safety were never a thing before boomers were around. Millennials and other generations have boomers to thank for workplaces being safe and regulations being introduced. Boomers also played their part in medical advancements and health campaigns that have increased life expectancy.
Consumer Rights
The rights you have when you purchase a product or service are there thanks to the boomer generation. These laws gained prominence during the boomer era to ensure safety and fairness. These rights have been crucial for consumers ever since, giving them confidence in what they’re purchasing.
Innovations in the Food and Beverage Industry
The food and beverage industry saw substantial growth during the boomer era. This saw international cuisine become part of the culture. During this time, there was also growth in craft beer and organic food. Millennials have boomers to thank for some of their favorite foods and drinks today.
Preserving National Parks and Public Lands
We have so many national parks and public lands thanks to boomers. They played important roles in expanding and protecting national parks and wilderness areas to help preserve them. They also supported policies that allowed the general public to enjoy them for recreational purposes.
Expanding Higher Education
According to Gitnux, “Baby Boomers have a higher level of education than any previous generation, with 88.8% having completed high school and 28.5% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher.” Boomers set the benchmark for receiving high levels of education and going on to earn degrees.
