Sensitivity and younger generations

[Revoltingest]

The young'ns who are so easily offended might simply
be so annoyingly noticeable that they appear to be
more representative than they really are.

 

[SomeRandom]

Well, even then, at least among the people I know and the general public, most people took it in stride. At least during my own lifetime, I've seen plenty of tantrums by people of all ages. These things happen, but most people have far more important things to worry about, such as the struggle to survive, pay bills, feed their families. Many people just don't have the time or energy to throw a tantrum - or worry about the tantrums of others.

I agree. But the news thinks I should care lol. I will admit that I derived a certain amount of
schadenfreude from watching the very people who spent years complaining about “snowflakes” become nothing more than, well, snowflakes. I realise it’s the bizarre fringe rather than an accurate representation of people. But I couldn’t help but notice all of them came from generations older than mine.

Well, we're all human beings with many of the same faults and shortcomings. One can discern the same kind of generation gaps which existed in every era. Most of the time, it just seems tongue-in-cheek, light-hearted ribbing each other. But there are times when it comes across more serious.

I find it to be just a perpetual cyclic thing, doomed to repeat itself. Like I dunno boy bands or something.

Yes, I think we have. We've wavered and lost our way. This is just as true for the Boomers as much as anyone.

Sadness

 

[SigurdReginson]

Every generation has subjects that matter to them, and other subjects that don't, to varying degrees. What matters to people changes over time.

While I wouldn't say this generation is more sensitive, I will say they are more self aware. Sometimes this can come across as sensitive, but more things matter to people when they take the time to understand the deeper complexities of a problem. Older generations are used to just brushing off the things they don't understand, but this newer generation is making it harder for them to do that... It's interesting to see how this manifests in my country, at least.

 

[Stevicus]

I agree. But the news thinks I should care lol. I will admit that I derived a certain amount of
schadenfreude from watching the very people who spent years complaining about “snowflakes” become nothing more than, well, snowflakes. I realise it’s the bizarre fringe rather than an accurate representation of people. But I couldn’t help but notice all of them came from generations older than mine.

I think the right-wing has some younger supporters, although I have no idea what the numbers might be. One of the more noticeable figures in the Capitol riots (the guy wearing the Viking helmet and furs) was in his 30s - not exactly a Boomer. I guess he would be a Millennial.

I find it to be just a perpetual cyclic thing, doomed to repeat itself. Like I dunno boy bands or something.

Yes. As they say, the more things change, the more they stay the same. When I was growing up, one of my favorite bands was The Who, who had a song called "My Generation" where there's the line "Hope I die before I get old." When the Boomers were in their teens and twenties, they said "Don't trust anyone over 30." Of course, during the Cold War and the threat of nuclear war, a lot of young people wondered if they'd even be alive by age 30. I'm not sure that today's younger generations really have that fear to contend with, or at least, they don't seem to think about it much.

One thing is certain: Time always marches on, and the younger generations will themselves grow older - and they'll probably look with disapproval on the generations that come after them. The cycle will continue, generation after generation.

Sadness

 

[SomeRandom]

I think the right-wing has some younger supporters, although I have no idea what the numbers might be. One of the more noticeable figures in the Capitol riots (the guy wearing the Viking helmet and furs) was in his 30s - not exactly a Boomer. I guess he would be a Millennial.

Oh yeah there are definitely young conservatives. I was talking more about the “demagogues” I guess you’d call them. Most are at least Gen X if not older Millenials. Except for like I dunno that John Doyle guy.
Who is ironically mocked by the lefties I hang with as too young.
I guess I was using “boomer” more in the colloquial sense. Like an older person who is conservative, not necessarily an actual baby boomer.
Q Anon Shaman guy or Viking Helmet guy is umm, how’s he doing? Is...he okay?
There was recently some sort of (obviously sensationalist) “expose” of the Q-cult and its impact over here on our version of 60 minutes. Which is just wild to me because it’s such an American phenomenon in my head. But I suppose the wide reaching influence of the internet and all that.

Yes. As they say, the more things change, the more they stay the same. When I was growing up, one of my favorite bands was The Who, who had a song called "My Generation" where there's the line "Hope I die before I get old." When the Boomers were in their teens and twenties, they said "Don't trust anyone over 30." Of course, during the Cold War and the threat of nuclear war, a lot of young people wondered if they'd even be alive by age 30. I'm not sure that today's younger generations really have that fear to contend with, or at least, they don't seem to think about it much.

Hmm well I think there was definite doom and gloom in the 90s with the scare of “global warming.” It was a threat that was sort of abstract but sort of apocalyptic. But I don’t think it went as far as thinking we’d be dead by age 30. It was more, wow our planet is probably gonna die.
That’s as close as my Gen got, I think. Don’t know about zoomers though. They might be more existential or less in their own generational crises. I dunno

One thing is certain: Time always marches on, and the younger generations will themselves grow older - and they'll probably look with disapproval on the generations that come after them. The cycle will continue, generation after generation.

True.

 

[darkskies]

I don't think so. Every generation has something different about it, and the times change many things. There is no effective parallel to compare imo.

 

[Stevicus]

Oh yeah there are definitely young conservatives. I was talking more about the “demagogues” I guess you’d call them. Most are at least Gen X if not older Millenials. Except for like I dunno that John Doyle guy.
Who is ironically mocked by the lefties I hang with as too young.
I guess I was using “boomer” more in the colloquial sense. Like an older person who is conservative, not necessarily an actual baby boomer.

I guess that could be said for liberals, too. After all, Nancy Pelosi and Hillary Clinton aren't exactly spring chickens. Even Obama was at the younger end of the Boomer generation. I'm technically a Boomer myself (born in '63), although those in Generation X were 1965 and after, so I probably identify more with that generation than the Boomers.

Q Anon Shaman guy or Viking Helmet guy is umm, how’s he doing? Is...he okay?

I have no idea. As far as I know, he's still in jail. I read somewhere recently that he claimed that his religious beliefs require him to eat organic food, so the jail accommodated his request and started giving him organic food.

There was recently some sort of (obviously sensationalist) “expose” of the Q-cult and its impact over here on our version of 60 minutes. Which is just wild to me because it’s such an American phenomenon in my head. But I suppose the wide reaching influence of the internet and all that.

The internet seems to have a plethora of various of echo chambers.

Hmm well I think there was definite doom and gloom in the 90s with the scare of “global warming.” It was a threat that was sort of abstract but sort of apocalyptic. But I don’t think it went as far as thinking we’d be dead by age 30. It was more, wow our planet is probably gonna die.
That’s as close as my Gen got, I think. Don’t know about zoomers though. They might be more existential or less in their own generational crises. I dunno


True.

I think the Boomers were also concerned about global warming and the environment in general. Most of the problems we're dealing with now - people knew about back then. I'm not sure what happened or what caused the change. Americans seemed become more self-centered, losing the sense of "social consciousness" they once had. There were more and more NIMBYs who became more materialistic and consumerist - more "plastic," which was once a term of derision. We also seemed to become more escapist. In the post-Vietnam, post-Watergate era, we didn't want realism anymore. People had grown weary of politics and "issues" - they wanted Star Wars and fantasy. They wanted Reagan.

 

[Shadow Wolf]

I'm technically a Boomer myself (born in '63), although those in Generation X were 1965 and after, so I probably identify more with that generation than the Boomers.

No doubts. I keep forgetting you're my dad's age.
But it's all whack anyways. I haven't argued against being Gen X, but millennial the biggest problem with that is I'm part of a group who had been at work long enough when the Recession hit we either got ahead or were basically unphased by the Recession. And, let's be honest, if someone born in '81 waited until around '08 to enter the workforce, there are some very serious problems there. And when I graduated we didn't yet have our first cell phone, we didn't have anything like Facebook, and we were crap at web searches (we had a younger teacher who amazed us at how he was able to find anything on the internet).
Terrorism and Iraq is another issue. We remember the Oklahoma City bombing, some of us even when Theodore Kaczynski resurfaced, and we remember Bush Sr. going to Iraq. Millennials are defines as 9/11 being their first dealings with national terrorism and the War Against Terror being their first thingy with Iraq. My friends and I, however, were discussing Bush Jr.'s invasion and thought it would be more like his dad's.
I'm sure there are in betweeners from Boomers to Gen X who sway more towards one or the other (my dad is more of Boomer). We just didn't have technology and then a Recession to help highlight the differences.

 

[Stevicus]

No doubts. I keep forgetting you're my dad's age.
But it's all whack anyways. I haven't argued against being Gen X, but millennial the biggest problem with that is I'm part of a group who had been at work long enough when the Recession hit we either got ahead or were basically unphased by the Recession. And, let's be honest, if someone born in '81 waited until around '08 to enter the workforce, there are some very serious problems there. And when I graduated we didn't yet have our first cell phone, we didn't have anything like Facebook, and we were crap at web searches (we had a younger teacher who amazed us at how he was able to find anything on the internet).
Terrorism and Iraq is another issue. We remember the Oklahoma City bombing, some of us even when Theodore Kaczynski resurfaced, and we remember Bush Sr. going to Iraq. Millennials are defines as 9/11 being their first dealings with national terrorism and the War Against Terror being their first thingy with Iraq. My friends and I, however, were discussing Bush Jr.'s invasion and thought it would be more like his dad's.
I'm sure there are in betweeners from Boomers to Gen X who sway more towards one or the other (my dad is more of Boomer). We just didn't have technology and then a Recession to help highlight the differences.

My own parents were born in the 1930s, during the Depression. My grandparents also told of difficult times while growing up. While there's the old joke about "when I was a kid, I had to walk to school barefoot in the snow," it surely was no picnic for any of my grandparents while growing up. But by the time my parents had come of age in the 1950s, things were getting better in America. I still remember the Moon landings, although I didn't really start to become more politically aware until the 70s. I learned quickly, though, particularly when Watergate was the big issue of the day. I wasn't around when the Vietnam War started, but I saw it on TV when it ended. But I also became aware of the Cold War, the possibility of nuclear war - with a lot of end-of-the-world movies being prevalent at the time. I suppose for my particular age group, the Iranian hostage crisis of 1979-81 was one of the early eye-opening events which might have changed many people's view of America and the world. A lot of people thought Carter was too weak and that Reagan was tough and would be more ready to kick butt.

Another generational difference which should not go unnoticed is that during the 70s, 80s, and early 90s, the crime rate was much, much higher than it has been in the past 20-25 years. There were no cellphones, and hardly the same level of video surveillance or other security measures which have been more ubiquitous in recent years. This was another thing that people were getting fed up with, accompanied by increasing criticism of "bleeding heart liberals" who favored rehabilitation and treatment. They thought the liberals were too soft on crime. That's when neighborhood watches became more popular, along with TV shows like Cops. Reagan also escalated and doubled down on the War on Drugs. He also signed a bill which tied federal highway funds to raising state drinking ages to 21. School campuses also became more restricted.

I think that's one thing I noticed more and more during the 80s and 90s, the idea that "we must protect our children at all costs." Not that there's anything wrong with that idea, in and of itself, but it was manifested in ways which didn't really exist when I was younger. Or at least, there weren't the kinds of restrictions and limitations that kids who came later had to deal with.

 

[Heyo]

Are those of younger generations too sensitive? Why or why not? Tagging as promised @Saint Frankenstein and @Israel Khan
By younger generations I mean born after 1997...yes I know that would include me. I meant younger as in compared to older generations not compared to my age.

I don't think that the younger generations (those under 30) are more sensitive, I think that our generation (all the people living now) are more sensitive.
Young people usually have a healthy and innocent sensitivity. They become more sensitive by indoctrination by the older generation. It's always the parents who say that we can't say that.
The stereotypical Karen is in her late 30s and your typical speech censor is even older. We were against censorship in our youth and I think that hasn't changed much. We get more sensitive to speech as we age, not less.

Each generation had its pet peeves. We were against Nazis in our institutions, against war and against pollution and nuclear plants. To-days youth is much like the boomers. They school strike against global warming. That's not a sensitivity, it's a real problem. To-days moms are helicopter parents and entitled, not their kids.

 

[ChristineM]

I wouldn't say more sensitive but like every generation, they have different values.

 

[SomeRandom]

I guess that could be said for liberals, too. After all, Nancy Pelosi and Hillary Clinton aren't exactly spring chickens. Even Obama was at the younger end of the Boomer generation. I'm technically a Boomer myself (born in '63), although those in Generation X were 1965 and after, so I probably identify more with that generation than the Boomers.

Lol I realise that I have heard all these “usual suspects” of US politics (both sides) basically all my life thanks to media and never really seen even a pic of them. Like Pelosi or is it Steve Bannon, is that the guy? I was surprised when first saw Bernie and Biden, if I’m honest. Like these lefty/liberal champions are old as bones lol

I have no idea. As far as I know, he's still in jail. I read somewhere recently that he claimed that his religious beliefs require him to eat organic food, so the jail accommodated his request and started giving him organic food.

I feel bad for him honestly. I know people who are conspiracy theorists (not to the extent of Q Anon though) and they’re not bad people. They might be a bit “eccentric” but they are genuine people. The Q cult and very hardcore Trumpers (I don’t mean people who simply voted for him, for the record) are just equal parts baffling and upsetting for me. Because it’s one thing to hold differing political opinions or even believe a conspiracy theory. But there seems a literal split from family and sometimes friends. That can’t be healthy, regardless of age. That’s just my outsider opinion though

The internet seems to have a plethora of various of echo chambers.

Agreed. I do acknowledge that I am in my own echo chambers via “BreadTube” (various left leaning YT channels. Mostly American if I’m honest but there’s a couple “Brit Bongers” as well.)
A large part of that is the algorithm which is specifically designed to give you content tailored to your Google and YT/Twitch etc history.

I think the Boomers were also concerned about global warming and the environment in general. Most of the problems we're dealing with now - people knew about back then. I'm not sure what happened or what caused the change. Americans seemed become more self-centered, losing the sense of "social consciousness" they once had. There were more and more NIMBYs who became more materialistic and consumerist - more "plastic," which was once a term of derision. We also seemed to become more escapist. In the post-Vietnam, post-Watergate era, we didn't want realism anymore. People had grown weary of politics and "issues" - they wanted Star Wars and fantasy. They wanted Reagan.

Interesting. I guess thanks to media/movies/tv I always assumed the 60s were full of hippies and social upheaval. But that might not be entirely accurate. Also what is NIMBY?

 

[Samael_Khan]

Are those of younger generations too sensitive? Why or why not? Tagging as promised @Saint Frankenstein and @Israel Khan
By younger generations I mean born after 1997...yes I know that would include me. I meant younger as in compared to older generations not compared to my age.

I am still trying to figure out whether they are too sensitive or we are too desensitized.

 

[Samael_Khan]

I don't think the younger generation is any more sensitive than those who came before them. They might be qualified as more sensitive about certain subjects and behavior, but less about others.

You actually make an interesting point. For instance the older generations would be more sensitive to being disrespected or people challenging their religion or tradition.

 

[Samael_Khan]

You want to talk sensitivity?
How about when all the boomers and Gen Xers whine constantly about PC this and PC that? I have been watching (against my better judgement) the right wing cope on YouTube, as it’s called. My god what a bunch of sensitive snowflakes. And they’re all like 10 years older than I am.


(Please note I recognise that that will just be a concentrated minority. They don’t speak for their entire “side” or generation. I’m just saying, after the literal televised tantrum I saw American boomers have a couple months ago, which actually lasted like weeks, it’s a little rich to me to claim that Zoomers are the sensitive ones.)

Like the 1950's and the Comics Code. They got rid of super hero comics mostly and replaced them with Barbie and Cowboy comics because they thought the other comics were immoral and corrupting the children.

 

[SomeRandom]

Like the 1950's and the Comics Code. They got rid of super hero comics mostly and replaced them with Barbie and Cowboy comics because they thought the other comics were immoral and corrupting the children.

Yes thank you!!! People complaining about “cancel culture” these days. I’m just like.....umm this has always been a thing, though???

 

[Samael_Khan]

Yes thank you!!! People complaining about “cancel culture” these days. I’m just like.....umm this has always been a thing, though???

The old timers were cancelling comics, Heavy Metal, anything they considered immoral and unchristian.

Here is a good example:
(37) Marilyn Manson Interview - Phil Donahue Show - 1995 HD REMASTERED (By me) - YouTube

Thanks for bringing up your point. For some reason I completely forgot how older generations literally cancelled non conservative media. I dunno why.

 

[SomeRandom]

The old timers were cancelling comics, Heavy Metal, anything they considered immoral and unchristian.

Here is a good example:
(37) Marilyn Manson Interview - Phil Donahue Show - 1995 HD REMASTERED (By me) - YouTube

Thanks for bringing up your point. For some reason I completely forgot how older generations literally cancelled non conservative media. I dunno why.

Because they will always lose the so called “culture war” every time, imho. Because society always moves forward.

(I have nothing against conservative beliefs, just for the record.)

 

[Samael_Khan]

Because they will always lose the so called “culture war” every time, imho. Because society always moves forward.

(I have nothing against conservative beliefs, just for the record.)

It seems like the conservatives and progressives exist for essential reasons. Progressives make society move forward but conservatives exist to make sure that the don't stray too far.

 

[SomeRandom]

It seems like the conservatives and progressives exist for essential reasons. Progressives make society move forward but conservatives exist to make sure that the don't stray too far.

Huh, it’s like Yin and Yang