Boomers have been a disappointing generation

November 20, 2025

https://johnmenadue.com/post/2025/11/the-last-boomer/?utm_source=Pearls+%26+Irritations&utm_campaign=dde7a9f598-Daily&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_0c6b037ecb-dde7a9f598-583172987

I like Sweeney’s article about Boomers and agree with much of it, particularly his critique of capitalism. However, I cannot agree with his whitewashing of the Boomer generation’s responsibility (or rather irresponsibility) for what has happened during our lifetimes (I was born in 1951). As a generation we do bear much of the responsibility.

In many ways Boomers were handed life on a plate by our parents who had suffered the depression and WWII and were determined to create a better life for their kids, summed up by the creation of welfare states and the development of human rights. In the 60s we rebelled and promised so much. But what did we do (as a generation, not every individual) as we gained a voice and power?

We sat back, joined book clubs and built up our super balances. We were passive while malign forces changed the world as Sweeney describes. Worse, some who had benefited from our parents’ determination embraced neoliberalism and actively pulled up the ladder behind us.

Now we are expecting the next generations to suffer the consequences of our passivity and sort it all out.

Boomers will go down as one of the most disappointing generations ever.