When I was a boy of 14 my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be 21 I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years. — Mark Twain
The idiocy of ageism has angered me for as long as I can remember, decades, not just in recent years.
The doorway to sexism, racism and all other isms is here, in our childish disrespect for other generations on either side of us.
Here is a link to the piece that published these memes and got me riled today. It’s a website called Elite Daily, which bills itself as “The voice of Generation Y”:
‘Scumbag Baby Boomer’ Meme Is The Perfect Response To People Who Criticize Gen-Y
This is my published reply, by no means intended for everybody whose birthdays fall within the arbitrary range of years defined by the author of this piece:
Shocking as it may be to some of you whippersnappers, we old farts understand how you feel and think. We grew up as hippies, peace and love and all that. We were going to change the world. At the time we thought our parents were “square” and backward. Every generation does. But we still loved and respected them.
This is just nasty.
Gen Y is apparently defined as people born between 1980 and 2000. Good God, some of you are in your mid 30s and still bitching and whining.
Y’all are on your own.
Personally, I accept very little credit for my children’s wonderful qualities and no blame at all for the decline of American society, our government and our family values.
My old fart friends and I have worked hard to live honorably and remain relevant. We succeed in varying degrees but we can only fail by the self-righteous judgment of you, whom we coddled and still love.
You will ultimately define us, but at least have the decency to wait until we’re dead.
Live your life, fix your world and if you can’t show a little respect, just leave us alone.
And, stay off the lawn.
Well said. I didn’t follow the link. I read only your response – but an important fact about “old farts” who won’t retire – sometimes it’s because they must work to pay the bills, and sometimes it’s because staying active at every age is good medicine.
Aye. And sometimes we must keep working to pay the taxes that provide for lazy assed young adults.