Good Reasons

According to vocabdictionary.com, a "good reason" means "a justification or explanation that is considered acceptable or valid." A further understanding: "A good reason is a logical basis or a righteous motive for making a decision or taking action. It implies that the reasoning is sound and can be universally accepted as appropriate."

Well, just call me a Boomer and paint me purple, will ya???

A recent misunderstanding with a grandchild (between 20 and 30 years old) led me to wonder if this was "trending" now in our world? I can't be the only one who is or has faced bewildering frustrations, can I?

I mean, I am a Boomer. I've always been "cool" "hip" "groovy," even!~In my generation there were sit-ins, peace signs, make love/not war signs, for goodness sakes.

But even if I nano-thought that my grandparents were out-of-touch or off-base in their old-fashioned ways, I never, in a million years would have dreamed of verbalizing that. Come on, that would have been right on up there with saying the Lord's Name in vain.

But there is absolutely no hesitancy in telling an elder to "blank-off" in today's world. And yes, it infuriates me, hurts me, and disappoints me. It's a very sad moral state.

This came to my attention several years ago when one of my grandchildren jokingly said, "OK, Boomer" to me. Apparently it was a "meme" common to their generation.

According to an MSN article, "there's a cultural gap. The "Okay, Boomer" meme, initially a dismissive retort to perceived out-of-touch opinions, evolved into a shorthand for a certain brand of generational disconnect. It encapsulates a frustration with what some see as a lack of empathy or understanding regarding contemporary issues like mental health, social justice, and environmental activism."

I don't see this trend as a cultural gap at all. Let's call it out for what it is, folks. It's called ageism. It's just as nasty as all those other isms out there, ok?

According to an article in Psychology Today, " Baby boomers are the focus of this antipathy and are commonly seen as in physical and cognitive decline and as no longer relevant."

I knew my children that quite naturally and normally, thought me to be somewhat "irrelevant," but it crushed me for my grandchildren to feel this way, too. Like the song from Mike and the Mechanics says, "every generation blames the one before..." But Boomers are double-whammed.

And by the way, for my grandkids, I just want to clarify: when I make a decision, *number 1: I don't need your permission and *number 2: if you don't want to believe the best in me (my motives,) then that's on you...because *number 3 I always have good reasons for my decisions that don't necessarily need your approval. I have no need to be "universally" appropriate. My values are intact.

But if you want to come at me with a right attitude, then we can have a great sit down and discuss my rationales if it will help your soul. I will support your greater understanding and growth and I will be open to learn, too. Remember: I love you no matter what you think about me!

From googling (not intentionally) AI said:

To understand how Boomers viewed their grandparents, consider the following points:

*Often saw them as wise and experienced figures in the family.

*Valued their stories and life lessons, viewing them as a link to the past.

*Appreciated their traditional values and strong work ethic.

*Viewed them as caregivers who provided emotional support and stability.

*Recognized their role in shaping family traditions and cultural heritage.

*Sometimes felt a generational gap in perspectives on modern issues.

(Maybe this is the way Boomers would like to be seen and treated, too! I know I would.)