Ever wonder why family dinners can turn into heated debates? It might be because Baby Boomers and Millennials often see the world differently. These two generations grew up in very different times, and this is shown in how they think about politics and society.
In this article, I’ll look at 15 political views that many Boomers hold but leave Millennials scratching their heads.
Socialism is always bad
Many Boomers grew up during the Cold War and see socialism as a threat. They often equate it with communism and think it’s un-American. For them, any policy that seems socialist is automatically wrong. Conversely, millennials are more open to socialist ideas, especially in healthcare and education.
Unions aren’t necessary anymore
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Some Boomers believe unions had their time but are no longer needed. They think unions slow down business and cause more problems than they solve. Millennials often see unions as crucial for protecting workers’ rights, especially as they face job insecurity and rising costs of living.
Climate change is exaggerated
Many Boomers are skeptical about the severity of climate change. They might think it’s a natural cycle or that its impacts are overblown. Millennials, on the other hand, generally see climate change as a major threat and want immediate action to address it.
Trickle-down economics works
Boomers often support the idea that tax cuts for the wealthy and big businesses will benefit everyone. They believe this money will “trickle down” to create jobs and boost the economy. Many Millennials see this as a failed policy that primarily benefits the rich.
College should be earned, not given
Many Boomers believe that if they worked their way through college, today’s students should too. They often oppose free college or student loan forgiveness. Millennials, facing much higher education costs, often see these as necessary to make college accessible.
Marijuana should be illegal
Some Boomers still see marijuana as a dangerous drug that should remain illegal. They worry about its health effects and see it as a gateway to harder drugs. Many Millennials support legalizing marijuana and see its criminalization as outdated.
Traditional family values are crucial
Boomers often emphasize traditional family structures and roles. They might see marriage as only between a man and a woman and believe in clear gender roles. Millennials tend to be more accepting of diverse family structures and fluid gender identities.
Affirmative action is reverse discrimination
Many Boomers see affirmative action policies as unfair to white people. They believe everyone should compete on equal footing without considering race. Millennials often see these policies as necessary to address systemic racism and provide equal opportunities.
America should focus on its own problems first
Boomers tend to support an “America First” approach to foreign policy. They might be skeptical of international agreements or foreign aid. Millennials often have a more global outlook and support international cooperation on issues like climate change.
Strict immigration laws are necessary
Many Boomers support stricter immigration policies and border control. They worry about immigrants taking jobs or changing American culture. Millennials tend to be more welcoming of immigrants and supportive of policies that help them integrate.
Welfare encourages laziness
Some Boomers believe that welfare programs make people dependent on the government. They think these programs discourage people from working hard. Millennials often see welfare as a necessary safety net, especially in an economy with job insecurity and rising living costs.
Gun ownership is a fundamental right
Many Boomers strongly support the right to own guns. They see it as an important part of American freedom and self-defense. Millennials are more likely to support gun control measures, seeing them as necessary for public safety.
Political correctness has gone too far
Boomers often feel that society has become too sensitive. They might use language that’s now considered offensive without realizing it. Millennials generally support being mindful of language and its impact on marginalized groups.
Technology is ruining society
Some Boomers are wary of how much technology, especially social media, has changed society. They worry about privacy, shortened attention spans, and less face-to-face interaction. Having grown up with technology, millennials often see its benefits and integrate it more fully into their lives.
Hard work always pays off
Boomers often strongly believe in the American Dream—that hard work alone leads to success. They might think younger generations aren’t succeeding because they’re not working hard enough. Millennials, facing a different economic reality, often see systemic barriers to success despite hard work.
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