3 ms·

This quote from the article exemplifies why this term is a problem: "If you have to say ‘the n-word’ you know it’s worse than ‘Boomer’, you moldy sentient bana

This quote from the article exemplifies why this term is a problem: "If you have to say ‘the n-word’ you know it’s worse than ‘Boomer’, you moldy sentient banana." As used in the context of the article, "boomer" is a clear cut case of othering, just like any of the more traditionally offensive terms used to other. No, I am not technically a "baby boomer". I do however feel that ageist comments just like racist and sexist comments should be called out as inappropriate. Whatever the "ist" is that is the genesis of the label, it is irrelevant. I would rather not be called by some label used to other me with hostility and I am sure most would agree with that. There are lots of terms tossed around today that are used with hostility that currently fly under the radar of what is unacceptable. Unfortunately, we have found a new one to use.

justForFun69 7y ago
So older people having being using millennials as a derogatory term for years. If someone complained they were a millennial PC baby. Now boomers are being PC babies? That is hilarious!
- uberman 7y ago
  I don't think the issue that anyone has is being identified with a demographic, be they "Boomer", "Gen-X", "Gen-y" like myself or "Millennial". The heart of why it is offensive is exactly what gets tacked on implicitly or explicitly like your "PC baby" comment. Some members of group "A" using a slight against the members of group "B" does not give some members of group "B" a free pass to reciprocate. Both slights are wrong. This is no different than the systemic waves of racism that have plagued US immigration for a half-dozen generations. What I find most depressing is that a generation so often connected with "woke-ness", "post-racial", and "post-gender" ideas in the end is no different than any other generation. Once their "other" is found they will apparently delight in poking at it with feigned ignorance of the offence they cause.
  - justForFun69 7y ago
    I think you need some South Park in your life.
ThrowawayR2 7y ago
"OK, boomer" doesn't really work that well as an insult anyway since it's easily flipped around as "OK zoomer". Both Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoomer https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoomer under "Other uses") and the Urban Dictionary have an attestation of zoomer as a reference to Gen Z, so they'll know what it means.

justForFun69 7y ago

So older people having being using millennials as a derogatory term for years. If someone complained they were a millennial PC baby. Now boomers are being PC babies? That is hilarious!

uberman 7y ago
I don't think the issue that anyone has is being identified with a demographic, be they "Boomer", "Gen-X", "Gen-y" like myself or "Millennial". The heart of why it is offensive is exactly what gets tacked on implicitly or explicitly like your "PC baby" comment. Some members of group "A" using a slight against the members of group "B" does not give some members of group "B" a free pass to reciprocate. Both slights are wrong. This is no different than the systemic waves of racism that have plagued US immigration for a half-dozen generations. What I find most depressing is that a generation so often connected with "woke-ness", "post-racial", and "post-gender" ideas in the end is no different than any other generation. Once their "other" is found they will apparently delight in poking at it with feigned ignorance of the offence they cause.
- justForFun69 7y ago
  I think you need some South Park in your life.

ThrowawayR2 7y ago

"OK, boomer" doesn't really work that well as an insult anyway since it's easily flipped around as "OK zoomer". Both Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoomer https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoomer under "Other uses") and the Urban Dictionary have an attestation of zoomer as a reference to Gen Z, so they'll know what it means.