Boomer Legacy

Jane Curtin: Well, the 1970's are in their final month, and with some thoughts on this decade and the one we're about to enter, here's Weekend Update's Social Sciences Editor Al Franken.

Al Franken: Thank you, Jane. Well, the "me" decade is almost over, and good riddance, and far as I'm concerned. The 70's were simply 10 years of people thinking of nothing but themselves. No wonder we were unable to get together and solve any of the many serious problems facing our nation. Oh sure, some people did do some positive things in the 70's - like jogging - but always for the wrong reasons, for their own selfish, personal benefit. Well, I believe the 80's are gonna have to be different. I think that people are going to stop thinking about themselves, and start thinking about me, Al Franken. That's right. I believe we're entering what I like to call the Al Franken Decade. Oh, for me, Al Franken, the 80's will be pretty much the same as the 70's. I'll still be thinking of me, Al Franken. But for you, you'll be thinking more about how things affect me, Al Franken. When you see a news report, you'll be thinking, "I wonder what Al Franken thinks about this thing?", "I wonder how this inflation thing is hurting Al Franken?" And you women will be thinking, "What can I wear that will please Al Franken?", or "What can I not wear?" You know, I know a lot of you out there are thinking, "Why Al Franken?" Well, because I thought of it, and I'm on TV, so I've already gotten the jump on you. So, I say let's leave behind the fragmented, selfish 70's, and go into the 80's with a unity and purpose. That's what I think. I'm Al Franken. Jane?

Jane Curtin: Thank you, Al. That's the news. Good night, and have a pleasant tomorrow.

As a sophomore in college I remember watching that skit when it first appeared on Saturday Night Live. We laughed our asses off. The Baby Boomer generation had by this time pretty much forgotten about changing the world and turned inward toward self-awareness, self-actualization and, ultimately, self-absorption. These attitudes don’t show any signs of changing as we move into our retirement years.

In his April 11, 2007, Washington Post editorial (Boomer Boomerang), Robert J. Samuelson writes that “Social Security and Medicare are an essential part of the social fabric. Millions depend on them. But the vast benefits -- paid too early and too indiscriminately -- have become disconnected from genuine need. Unless the two are reconnected, these successful programs will tear at the social fabric.”

“It is unfair to blame only baby boomers for not acting preemptively to curb the known costs of their retirement,” he continues. “The ‘greatest generation’ bears equal responsibility. Politicians have done nothing, because voters -- present and prospective retirees -- have wanted them to do nothing. Still, boomers deserve special disapproval.”

Every generation observes its parents’ shortcomings. We Boomers observed gender inequalities, racial discrimination, sexual inhibitions and politicians who would say and do anything to advance their agendas. Our social activism may have caused some positive changes to occur but for the most part we have fallen far short of the idealistic goals of our youth.

What do Millennials observe in Boomers and GenXers? I hope they see the folly of the Me Generation. I hope our rampant, mindless consumerism disgusts them. I hope our self-centered policies on Social Security and Medicare and our unwillingness to limit consumption in light of extreme poverty move Millennials to organize and to take action. I hope they act to hold up a mirror to the Boomers, so that we are shamed into changing our selfish ways.

Copyright © 2007 Richard M. Potter. All Rights Reserved.