Moving on from Stereotypes

 I've been reading lately about stereotypes of generations, which are often labeled as a generation being of between 15 and 18 years.  However, the Pew Research center says that much of the stereotyping is nothing more than click-bait.  They say there are differences within generations and thar there needs to be a more broad approach to generational studies, particularly in the realm of politics as it relates to the millinials.  And I think they are right.

Not all Boomers fall into a neat category as not any other generation does.  Sociologists need to focus on the whole of society and not divide it into such stereotypes.  I have to admit that my wife and I are from the same generation, but we differ.  And not all Boomers are stereotypically Boomers, which we both are.  She might be more stereotypically Boomer than I am.  I never really felt I fit neatly into a grouping, while she might more than I do.  

And the Pew Research Center says too often such groupings pit one generation against another with such stereotypes.   And I would say they're right.  They say there needs to be more research done on sociological trends other than the year a person was born.  While it's true that Boomers might be more different, to say that ALL Boomers are like the stereotypical Boomer is just plain wrong.  Just as not ALL Alphas are the same.  Many sociological factors shape individuals, while Boomers might be more set in their ways, still does not mean all Boomers are cookie cutters of each other.

Such stereotyping makes it easier to classify generations, there are differences within generations and stereotyping age groups is just plain counterproductive.  I've read several articles suggesting similar stereotyping as just click-bait.  It just makes categorizing easier to identify, but many sociologists believe now that societal trends need to be seen as a whole and not trends within generations.  

I'm not really offended being called a Boomer, but yet I live with the same trends an Alpha has to live with.  And I could say I have not seen a shift in one thing as I did during the Pandemic.  I might have been less affected by the Pandemic, but Alphas were affected the most, while Millinials all had their own personal adjustments.  And everyone got through it differently.  

It's just that it makes me happier to see sociological researches do away with stereotyping generations.  I don't see myself as a typical Boomer, but I have traits as an older person just because I AM older.  But the 60's taught me something an that is to avoid stereotyping people and put people or groups into neat little packages.

Each person IS different.  And I for one can do away with stereotyping people.  There aren't too many Boomers that are Spiritual and smoke a pipe, for example.  And not all Boomers are still working.  I do enough to stay active and I'm still writung and keeping up with the world.  So, today it is my Nording Number 3 pipe having smoked the last of my Artisan's Blend this morning with a cup of hot black coffee.  I thank you for your time.  Peace to each one of you.

Dave