In early November 2019, the phrase “ok, boomer,” was used on the popular social media platform, Tik Tok, which has since exploded in fame. The video depicted a grey-haired man claiming that Generation Z has Peter Pan syndrome, meaning that they never want to grow up. A Generation Zer responded saying “ok, boomer,” and telling the man to have a terrible day. The phrase has been hashtagged 732 million times, and raps, memes and merch have resulted from the video.
Feuds between older and younger generations are nothing new. However, some Boomers say that the phrase is extremely ageist and stereotypical. Baby Boomers are characterized to show resistance to technological progress, deny the existence of climate change, and often marginalize minorities. Boomers are known to be dismissive of young people, and treat the up-and-coming generation as inexperienced or naive. They are overall out-of-touch with the values of today’s youth in Gen Zers’ minds. In response, Gen Zers are creating memes to mock the views of boomers.
“Ok, boomer” is a cry from millions of Gen Zers that are fed up with where the world is going, claiming that older generations simply do not get it. Generation Z has been nicknamed the snowflake generation meaning that they are lazy, fragile, and sensitive. The most effective young “do-ers,” are Gen Zers, such as Greta Thunberg. When asked is Thunberg wanted to have a meeting with Boomer Donald Trump, she denied it.
“It would be a waste of time, really,” Thunberg said.
Thunberg pretty much summed up how most Gen Zers feel when asked if they want to debate issues with Boomers.
25-year-old New Zealand lawmaker Chlöe Swarbrick was giving a speech supporting a climate crisis bill when she was heckled by an older member of Parliament. She simply said, “ok, boomer,” and went on with her speech. Critics called her immature and rude, but it most definitely got the point across.
Although “ok, boomer” sounds demeaning, it has successfully sparked conversation about the worldly perspectives between the two generations. Gen Zers make up 32 percent of the world’s population, and with many over 18 years old, or close to it, they are a force to be reckoned with. What once started as a humorous clapback, has since become a conversation between the young and the old.