Generation X, Y, Z

 

Generation X, Y, Z August 22, 2026 By admin Wooden cubes spelling gen z alongside x and y blocks on a solid yellow surfaceI’m confused, and you can’t say that it’s because I’m a baby boomer and we’re all in a confused pre-Alzheimers state. I just heard that there is a new demographic known as Generation Z, AKA the Silent Generation, and I’m worried that they have run out of letters for the next generations. Generation X I get. Supposedly, it came from a study of British youth who “sleep together before they are married, don’t believe in God, dislike the Queen, and don’t respect parents.” Sound like nice kids. Then Douglas Coupland picked it up in his book Generation X: Tales for an Accelerated Culture and the term was off and running. Then came the term “twenty something,” but however you slice it, Gen X refers to the demo that was born between 1964 and 1979, although many will and do argue about the exact dates. So just as surely as night follows day, Gen X has to be followed by Gen Y, and you can begin to see how we are going to run out the alphabet here. Also referred to as the Millenials or Internet generation, they would be the Class of 2000, having been born in 1982. They also have been referred to as the Second Baby Boom, because as I don’t need to tell you, they are our kids. You could hardly call Gen Y rebels, but it would be safe to say that authority figures have only marginal success with Gen Yers. That brings us to Z, and it would appear, the end of the line, the 26th letter, the last straw, good old Zed. Born mid to late 1990s, the Zeds are being called the new silent generation if you read Generations, the book by Struass and Howe. Their theory is that generations are cyclical and this current crop is going to behave more like the first silent generation (many of whom were our parents). It’s sad to know that they are already being called the Homeland Generation because they must grow up with a hyper ventilating sense that we are fighting terrorists “there” so that they won’t come “here.” For some reason Gen Z is also known as the Alpha Generation, and while that may not be cause for celebration, it does give me hope that at least there’s room at the head of the alphabet for many more generations to come. 

From the Best of BoomSpeak. 2007. Even back then the generation appellations were confusing. Now it’s worse. 

Jay Harrison is a writer and creative consultant for DesignConcept. His newest mystery novel, Rio Puerco Demise is available on Amazon. His first mystery novel, Head Above Water, is also available on Amazon. But that’s not all. You can also purchase the Best of BoomSpeak on Amazon.

We're Not Alone

 

You know there are things that baby boomers say sometimes that make them sound like old fogies (Whatever a fogey is. It’s from the French word fougeux and is similar to but unrelated to old codger). It turns out that millennials have many of the same complaints. Someone on redditor asked the Millennial community to share their fogie/old adult opinions, and the following is a brief sampling of what was received. You’ll feel better about your favorite millennial after seeing what they had to say. “No, you cannot listen to music/videos/calls/whatever in public without headphones.” “I was sitting in the waiting room at the doctor’s office and a woman (likely another millennial) was FaceTiming without headphones!!” “New car headlights are too damn bright!” ”It’s like everyone has their high beams on all the time. Add to that the fact that every car is a dang SUV, so they’re all shining RIGHT IN YOUR EYEBALLS.” “Not everything needs to be recorded/photographed and posted online, whether it’s for good, like taking excessive vacation pictures, or for bad, like recording arguments between strangers.” “Please give me a real menu. I really hate having to try to scroll through a whole menu on my tiny ass phone… If you’re going to have a QR code for a menu, at least make sure it’s mobile-friendly.” “Manners go a long way. Having and using manners makes you feel good. It is about respecting other human beings and showing them that you do. It feels good to be polite, respectful, and generous. Manners are not disingenuous. They help others feel welcome, comfortable, appreciated, and at ease.” “Stop speeding in neighborhoods! Also, stop blatantly running red lights. We all got places to be… stop trying to kill everyone else to get there.” “I am not instantly available at any waking moment just because it is technically possible for me to see your message immediately on my electronic device.” “If I say something to you, I’d like an acknowledgment that you heard me.” “The way that Gen Z makes hearts with their hands makes me deeply unsettled.” “I get so angry when I see people using their phone in their hand while driving and not paying attention to the road. Get a phone mount.” 

Jay Harrison is a writer and creative consultant for DesignConcept. His newest mystery novel, Rio Puerco Demise is available on Amazon. His first mystery novel, Head Above Water, is also available on Amazon. But that’s not all. You can also purchase the Best of BoomSpeak on Amazon.

Boomer Energy

 

There. I said it. Boomer energy. Until just recently, I was totally unaware that there was such a thing. But there is and if I’m the first one to relate this to you, it’s time to get on board.

Apparently, boomer energy is rubbing other Gens the wrong way. In my book, that’s okay because some GenX and Millennials are driving us around the bend. But boomer energy goes beyond disputed techniques for how to load a dishwasher.

Let’s start with the unsolicited phone call. The WHAT you say?? Yes, boomers were comfortable with landlines and then cell phones came along. So? Apparently, just picking up the cell phone to call a Millennial or a GenZ is a faux pas. What? Out of the blue you’re calling to see what’s up and how’s the family? That’s what texting is for you idiot!

If you think that unnerves younger Gens, try showing up in person without advance notice. The unannounced drop-bye might as well be a bomb dropped on unsuspecting civilians. It’s another case where an advance text is appropriate. That will give them time to clear out and go to the beach or mountains before you show.

Next on the list of bad energy generation are comments about personal appearance. You might think it’s okay to note someone’s weight loss or new hair style. DON’T. Younger gens guard aspects of self and body image in a way that is foreign to the boomer desire to show interest and caring in a direct manner. You’ve been warned.

Right on the heels of personal appearance comments comes unsolicited advice. I can give you some unsolicited advice right now because I’m assuming we’re speaking boomer to boomer. It’s best that you just restrain yourself from offering any advice to a younger Gen unless you’ve been asked for an opinion. Even then, there’s a high risk of blowback that your advice will go unappreciated – or worse.

If all this bad energy on our part is disheartening to you, know this. Someday soon, the Gens that find our behavior irritating, will be irritating some generation that does not even have a name yet, and that is the kind of Karma we can all appreciate.

Jay Harrison is a writer and creative consultant for DesignConcept. His most recent mystery novel, Rio Puerco Demise is available on Amazon. His first mystery novel, Head Above Water, is also available on Amazon. But that’s not all. You can also purchase the Best of BoomSpeak on Amazon.

Milestones

 

Is there some award for reaching the 20^th anniversary of a blog? Is that a thing? If so, sign me up because BoomSpeak was launched around this time in 2006. What were you doing in 2006? What were any of us doing?

The term “weblog” was coined in 1997 and within two years shortened to just “blog.” Soon there was a spate of blogs being published and many new software platforms to help you publish your personal journal. Specialization brought new contributors in niches such as technology, travel, fashion, food, computing and many more. Many bloggers attempted to monetize their blog by selling ads but that required proof that your blog was reaching a huge audience.

Ad sales never took hold for BoomSpeak, not that we didn’t try (the dreaded Google Adsense). In retrospect, the blog remained pure by not having ads. From the start it was a place where boomer contributors could express their thoughts (and relevant fiction) about our shared experience of growing up as part of a generation of unprecedented scale. We used the tagline “Your whole life’s in front of you” because it tapped into the potential and optimism that our generation shared. We had – make that have – great potential still, even in hard times.

The arrival of Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Podcasts, and TikTok has exploded the channels for content creators to share stories and perspectives. Despite that proliferation, there’s still a niche for the humble blog. You most likely have noticed the arrival of Substacks by well-known and not so well-known authors. For many of us who hang on to the humble blog, a Substack is long-form blogging by another name, and I’m okay with that. More than okay, because it’s opened the door for some great writing by talented people.

Boomers have taken a lot of hits in recent years and that’s to be expected because of the scale of our generation and the resulting influence we’ve had over politics, science, the arts and more. The bigger the target the more arrows you draw. Part of my mission as a BoomSpeak blogger is to put the emphasis on the shared experience of growing up as a boomer, and remembering the many altruistic contributions we made and continue to make.

If you are a boomer and have something to say about it (or read what others are saying), BoomSpeak continues to be the place to come. If you’ve never contributed, now might be a good time. If you’re a past contributor, it’s time to write for us again. We still have something to say and this blog is the place to say it.

Jay Harrison is a writer and creative consultant for DesignConcept. His newest mystery novel, Rio Puerco Demise is available on Amazon. His first mystery novel, Head Above Water, is also available on Amazon. But that’s not all. You can also purchase the Best of BoomSpeak on Amazon.

Milestones

When it comes to age milestones, baby boomers have racked up quite a few momentous ones. For the sake of historical reference, I am referring to the leading edge of boomers born in 46 thru 51. For those of us in that group, sixteen years old meant you could get a drivers license (in many states) and that was a big deal because it gave us almost unbridled mobility. Hell, we didn’t even have drivers’ education in those days, which meant lots of white-knuckle experiences for our parents. It did inspire a ton of popular songs about car culture (Little Old Lady from Pasadena, Mustang Sally, Dead Mans Curve, and Little Deuce Coupe to name only a few).

Twenty-one? A perilous time. There was a war on and we could be drafted even before we were eligible to vote. Looking back, it’s almost comical that we thought we would change our world, but with the sheer size of our cohort’s impact, we did change it. There are still arguments about whether the change was for better or worse.

Thirty. So momentous it spawned the TV show Thirtysomething. A show about life in Philadelphia for boomers turning 30 was fascinating enough to last for 4 seasons. For many boomers, 30 marked a moment of self-awareness…Hey, we’re actually grown-ups. It also marked the beginning of our inevitable dominance of culture and politics. It had to happen because there were just so many of us. (In 1964, Boomers represented 37% of the total U.S. populaton)

Fifty is our next biggest milestone and a wake-up call. Our bodies are no longer as limber as they once were. We’re the dominant influence in culture and politics (including a few boomer Presidents), and the groundswell of complaints about our generation began to grow louder and more persistent. These days you cannot avoid our bad press, as it has become clear to the generations that followed that we have messed up their world completely. You could argue that point but there’s just too many Gens with letters after the term who will push back on the argument.

And now – the Big 80. The oldest baby boomers will turn age 80 in 2026. We’re down to 20% of the total population and shrinking fast (in number and stature). From 79 million in 1964 to 67 million in 2024. Now we have to wonder if we are moving from milestone to millstone. Once we were celebrants and soon we may be seen as burdens (if we haven’t already made that transition).

I like to think that it’s a positive transition. We made it! Life expectancy in 1947 was 66. Now, it’s close to 79. If you really want to take the long and positive view, our next milestone may just be 100 and let’s hope we stick the landing.

Jay Harrison is a writer and creative consultant for DesignConcept. His newest mystery novel, Rio Puerco Demise is available on Amazon. His first mystery novel, Head Above Water, is also available on Amazon. But that’s not all. You can also purchase the Best of BoomSpeak on Amazon.

 

Lost Reservation

It’s been quite a while since I have done a celebrity interview. I think it was Leo Davinci. Sometimes you can’t ignore a coincidence. Case in point, I ran into Tony Bourdain as I was leaving my local dumpling carry-out place. Coincidence or karma? Who knows? Or doesn’t know?

Tony? Is that you? I bet you miss the biz.

Regret is something you’ve got to just live with, you can’t drink it away. You can’t run away from it. You can’t trick yourself out of it. You’ve just got to own it.

That sounds like classic Tony Bourdain. Everyone misses your take on travel.

As you move through this life…you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life – and travel – leaves marks on you.

Well, you covered a lot of ground with the Parts Unknown show.

If I’m an advocate for anything, it’s to move. As far as you can, as much as you can. Across the ocean, or simply across the river. The extent to which you can walk in someone else’s shoes or at least eat their food, it’s a plus for everybody. Open your mind, get up off the couch, move.

You wouldn’t believe how many imitators are out there trying to do what you did.

Skills can be taught. Character you either have or you don’t have.

There are so many cooking shows on TV now.

Food is everything we are. It’s an extension of nationalist feeling, ethnic feeling, your personal history, your province, your region, your tribe, your grandma. It’s inseparable from those from the get-go.

What do you look for when choosing where to eat?

I’m excited by any food that’s prepared by someone who’s proud of what they’re doing, who puts a personal imprint on food.

Where you off to next?

It seems that the more places I see and experience, the bigger I realize the world to be. The more I become aware of, the more I realize how relatively little I know of it, how many places I have still to go, how much more there is to learn. Perhaps wisdom, at least for me, means realizing how small I am, and unwise, and how far I have yet to go.

Very cool. Any parting advice for us foodies?

Drink heavily with locals whenever possible. 

Jay Harrison is a writer and creative consultant for DesignConcept. His newest mystery novel, Rio Puerco Demise is available on Amazon. His first mystery novel, Head Above Water, is also available on Amazon. But that’s not all. You can also purchase the Best of BoomSpeak on Amazon.

In the Soup

There’s a line in the Marx Brothers’ Duck Soup when Groucho (appearing as a dictator of Fredonia named Rufus T. Firefly) says:

Why a four-year-old child could understand this report. Run out and find me a four-year-old child. I can’t make head nor tail out of it.

That can sum up how many of us feel about the current state of technology. I say this as someone who has just come off spending way too much time trying to install a new printer for my computer (many, many tries finally yielded result but there was a lot swearing along the way).

It’s often noted that technology is changing too fast. Just when you adjust and adapt to a new interface or peripheral, they change it. Along comes verification codes followed by two-factor authentication. We adapt as fast as we can, but as many boomers have pointed out, it shouldn’t be this hard to complete what used to be simple tasks. We are rapidly losing proprietary control over our affairs because we are getting technologically inept.

I share the same frustration as Rufus, only now what I would really like to have is a twelve-year old tech guru to help me navigate the daily barrage of technical hurdles. Of course, I want her/him to be bonded in order to protect the nest egg. If that sounds like an extreme step, you have not peeked around the bend to see the next level of encrypted paperless online transactions that will be coming to a computer near you.

The irony here is that most of us naively thought that technology would help us simplify our lives and make them less complex. The true effect has been just the opposite. From banking to borrowing a book, the technology gatekeepers demand more of us every day. If you have not experienced a technical melt-down trying to complete what was once a simple task, you are the rare exception indeed.

Change is inevitable. I accept that. Just wish that it would not come at us at terminal velocity. No such luck. Tech acceleration is here to stay. And don’t even think of trying lure away my 12-year old guru.

Jay Harrison is a writer and creative consultant for DesignConcept. His newest mystery novel, Rio Puerco Demise is available on Amazon. His first mystery novel, Head Above Water, is also available on Amazon. But that’s not all. You can also purchase the Best of BoomSpeak on Amazon.