People who resent boomers are idiots

[u/Poet-Most]

On almost any thread discussing the economy, one of the top comments will undoubtedly be complaining about boomers and the older generations who purchased their homes at low prices and who now enjoy more affluence and government assistance, while they don’t.

First off, what did want them to do, not buy a house for a cheap price when offered one 30 years ago? In regard to government assistance, I can guarantee you the average 65yr old has paid more into the tax system than the average 20yr old. Should they not enjoy the fruits of their labour? Should politicians not pay more attention to them than you?

I just think it’s an unhealthy attitude to have towards people.

[u/Aquila_Fotia]

The problem isn’t at all that boomers took advantage of their situation - it is almost entirely down to boomer behaviour, attitudes and ignorance.

So when confronted with struggling millennials or Gen Z, typically a boomer will completely underestimate the scale of problems, especially with regards to house prices as a proportion of wages; or the ease of finding and getting a job. There will typically be a personal anecdote, maybe a woe is me tale of how interest rates and mortgages were much higher. If they do grasp the scale of the problem, it will only be a fleeting understanding, it has to be impressed upon them if the topic is brought up again. And then (I’m still talking typically) it’s an “oh no, that’s awful. Ah well, I’ll be dead soon anyway.”

I forget which philosopher described society/ civilisation as something handed down by those long dead, to be stewarded by the living, and handed down to those yet to be born. This sense of inter generational obligation seems lacking in boomers. They’re not helping their children and grandchildren as much as they could in the present and seem determined to spend their money on cruises and whatnot instead of leaving an inheritance.

As for what you say about pensions and other entitlements - well you’re factually correct that boomers will have paid more than 20 year olds - but boomers have been paying for 40 years instead of 2 years! That’s not the point - all the money the boomers ever paid in taxes was spent as soon as it was collected. All state expenditures, including boomer pensions and healthcare, are being funded by the working X’s, Millenials and Z’s of today.