We The Baby Boomers

The baby boomer generation is considered to be those born between 1946 and 1964.  We were born in a time of optimism and change. The recession was over, and there was a greater push for education and career among women.  The work place changed dramatically with greater ethnic and gender diversity.

Having grown up through the Women’s Movement and the Civil Rights Movement, I can attest to the social change this country went through in the 60’s and 70’s.  Women were fighting for freedoms primarily centered on their own bodies and minds.  The feminist movement or women’s liberation as it was called, was about equal pay for the same job, the women’s reproductive rights, rights against sexual harassment and domestic violence to touch on a few.   The movement actually came in three phases. The first stage was primarily centered around political equality, second came the social and economic equality and finally the third phase was a renewing of the first movement for furthering equality in the political arena. Women became a force to be reckoned with. They had a voice and were going to be heard.

During the economic upswing, many baby boomers over spent, thinking there would be never ending resources and financial opportunity.  Most are or will work well past their 60’s to make up for lack of proper saving.  Because the boomer generation worked so hard to create equality in the workplace, many of us identify ourselves through what we do, our accomplishments in the work force, and our successes.  To leave that behind is like leaving a part of our identity. 

In upcoming blogs we will look at issues and advantages on an individual basis. As a woman born in the boomer generation, I can only comment on my personal growth, activities, and how being a boomer has affected my life.  We were a generation of overachievers and part of that legacy I believe is that our ‘next generation” is one of entitlement.  Our children did not grow up knowing the sacrifices we endured.  They do not have the work ethic that made us so proud.  Will that lack of grit leave a mark on history that we as boomers will regret?  Maybe.  

Author:  Donna S. Hopwood

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