The generational blame game is nothing new, but we still must pay attention

Somewhere along the way, we’ve turned generational differences into a full-contact sport.

It’s become fashionable to blame the Baby Boomers for just about everything—from the cost of housing to the condition of our politics. And yes, as someone who technically falls into that category (I’m really more Generation Jones), I hear it. Loud and clear.

But here’s the truth: every generation has looked at the one before it with some level of frustration—even disdain.

When I was younger, I thought my parents’ generation was rigid and out of touch. This was the same “Greatest Generation” that defeated fascism in World War II, but also carried forward deeply entrenched racism and sexism well into their later years. They were complicated. Just like we are.

And just like today’s younger generations are.

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But let’s be honest about something else: younger Americans aren’t imagining their struggles. They are real.

On paper, many are earning more than we did at the height of our careers. In reality, that money doesn’t stretch nearly as far. Housing, insurance, healthcare, childcare—costs have exploded. Families making over $100,000 a year are still living paycheck to paycheck.

That’s not a failure of character; it’s a failure of systems. And, those systems didn’t just collapse overnight.

Those of us who are older need to own that. Not all of it—but enough of it to matter. Because, let’s face it, it’s is the Baby Boomer generation that is largely engrained in our political systems, therefore our policies that shape our economy and our culture.

Instead of dismissing younger generations as entitled or soft, maybe it’s time we actually listen. Maybe it’s time we use the benefit of experience not to lecture—but to help fix what’s broken.

Because right now, too many of the people running for office aren’t interested in solving problems. They’re interested in proving ideological purity. And that doesn’t put groceries on the table or make housing affordable. Or help families with issues that they need solved to be as successful as our generation has been.

We can’t just keep blaming each other while nothing gets better.

This isn’t really about Boomers versus Millennials or Gen Z. It’s about whether we’re willing to stop pointing fingers long enough to recognize that the system isn’t working—and then do something about it together.

We must demand those who have filed for political office address these issues when they ask for our vote.