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- The generational divide between Boomers and Gen Z is stark, especially in views on the woke movement, which Boomers often dismiss due to their different life experiences.
- Boomers’ skepticism is rooted in a belief that societal progress has been achieved, but Gen Z sees ongoing systemic issues that require continued activism.
- The woke movement aims to build on past progress, not erase it, and both generations must work together to create a more just and inclusive society.
The generational divide between Baby Boomers and Gen Z is as wide as the Grand Canyon, and one of the most glaring examples of this rift is the stark difference in how we view the "woke" movement. For Boomers, the very concept of being woke is often seen as a punchline, something to be scoffed at, mocked, or dismissed outright. But what is it that they see that we don’t? And why, despite their experience and wisdom, do they still get it so wrong?
The Boomer Perspective: Experience vs. Empathy
To understand why many Baby Boomers think the woke movement is a joke, we have to consider the era they grew up in. Born between 1946 and 1964, Boomers were raised in a post-war society where traditional values were heavily emphasized. They grew up during a time of economic prosperity, where the American Dream seemed more attainable, and social norms were rarely questioned.
For Boomers, the idea of “wokeness” often clashes with the values they’ve held dear for decades. To them, it’s seen as a hypersensitivity to issues that they believe were either resolved long ago or were never significant to begin with. The calls for social justice, gender equality, and racial inclusivity are sometimes perceived as overreactions, a sign that younger generations are coddled or overly concerned with political correctness.
But here’s the catch: the Boomer perspective is steeped in a worldview shaped by privilege, one where they’ve had the luxury of ignoring the systemic issues that the woke movement seeks to address. What they perceive as unnecessary whining, we see as the pursuit of a more just and equitable society.
“I see the woke movement as an overreaction,” says Linda, 67, from New York. “We fought for civil rights, and now it feels like young people are just complaining without understanding the progress we made.” In contrast, Jaden, 22, from California, argues, “We’re not dismissing what the Boomers achieved; we’re saying there’s more to do, and we need their support, not their mockery.”
What They Know: A Generational Disconnect
Boomers often argue that their skepticism comes from experience. They’ve lived through the Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War protests, and the fight for women’s rights. They’ve seen it all—or so they think. From their vantage point, they’ve earned the right to be cynical. They’ve witnessed the ebb and flow of social movements, some of which have brought about significant change, while others have faded into obscurity.
This experience gives them a sense of perspective, but it also blinds them to the nuances of today’s battles. Boomers may recognize the broad strokes of history but often miss the finer details of the present struggles. They know the what but not the why, understanding the actions without grasping the motivations.
For instance, while 75% of Boomers believe that America has made significant progress in race relations, only 44% of Gen Z feels the same, according to a 2023 survey by the Pew Research Center. This statistic highlights the disconnect in how the two generations perceive progress and the work that remains to be done.
“I remember the first time my dad asked me what ‘woke’ meant. We were at the dinner table, and I hesitated, knowing that the conversation could go south fast. But instead of rolling my eyes, I took a deep breath and explained why it matters to me. It wasn’t easy, but that moment was a small step toward bridging the gap,” shares Alex, 24, from Chicago.
What They Don't Get: The Power of the Present
The woke movement isn’t just about righting the wrongs of the past; it’s about acknowledging that those wrongs have evolved and persisted in new forms. Boomers often miss the point that what they consider progress was often only a partial victory. The systems of oppression—racism, sexism, homophobia, and more—didn’t disappear; they adapted. And that’s what the woke movement is fighting against today.
In fact, a Gallup poll from 2022 revealed that 66% of Gen Z sees systemic racism as a significant problem in the U.S., compared to only 32% of Boomers. This difference in perception is crucial to understanding why the woke movement resonates so deeply with younger generations.
Gen Z and Millennials see the world through a different lens, one that is hyper-aware of intersectionality and the complexities of modern oppression. We understand that just because something was “fixed” in the past doesn’t mean it’s not broken now. The woke movement is about recognizing these layers of discrimination and doing the work to dismantle them. Boomers might see this as unnecessary, but that’s only because they’ve never had to live with the consequences of these systemic issues in the same way we do.
Why Boomers Are Wrong: The Need to Evolve
The woke movement is not just a fad or a phase; it’s a reflection of an evolving understanding of justice and equality. Baby Boomers, with all their experience, should know that change is inevitable. They’ve seen it happen before, but they’re hesitant to acknowledge that it’s happening again.
In their dismissal of wokeness, Boomers often cling to the idea that things were better in their day—a classic case of nostalgia clouding judgment. But what they fail to realize is that the world has changed, and so too must our approach to social issues. The challenges we face today—climate change, economic inequality, systemic racism—require new solutions and fresh perspectives.
The woke movement is not about erasing the past but about building on it, recognizing that the foundations laid by previous generations are not enough. We need to continue the work, to push for a society that is truly inclusive, equitable, and just. Boomers might think they’ve seen it all, but they haven’t seen what we’re capable of. And that’s why they need to wake up—no, sorry—woke up.
It’s easy to dismiss Boomers as out of touch, but that’s not entirely fair. They have a wealth of experience that we can learn from. However, they also need to recognize that their perspective is limited. The woke movement isn’t about tearing down the past; it’s about acknowledging that the work isn’t finished. We’re all in this together, and it’s time for Boomers to stop laughing at wokeness and start listening to what it’s really about.
Stay connected with more insights on generational dynamics and cultural shifts at Woke Waves Magazine.
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