OK Boomer

Darby Shaw: Don't laugh. It was ludicrous of me to think I could solve it. Hubris of the young, huh?
Thomas Callihan: Don't knock the hubris that I love.
--The Pelican Brief

'OK Boomer' has become a popular catchphrase among younger generations used to taunt or mock behavior or attitudes of older generations--particularly the Baby Boomer cohort. Some claim that this is yet more evidence of disrespect and apathy running rampant among youngsters these days.

These claims tend to emanate from the oldsters, of course.

This back and forth is nothing new. Friction between young and old has been at work since the beginning of sociological time. The young have what seems to be limitless time ahead of them. They see themselves as growing stronger and gaining more control over their environments by the day. Some degree of arrogance naturally results from this process, as does proclivity for rebellion against establishment.

Youthful attitudes also foster covetousness and envy toward the old. After all, the old possess relatively large stocks of economic resources that facilitate prosperous life. It is only natural for the young to want some.

'OK Boomer' is just another expression of youthful energy and hubris. OK [fill in blank with words like whatever, pop, old man]. We've heard it before.

While the young see time as infinite, the old are learning the opposite. Family and friends are passing at increasing rates, and mortality looms. The reality is that life time is limited, and older generations are becoming aware that they are closer to the end than to the beginning. It is easy, therefore, for the old to envy the young, because the young have time on their side.

Because of their tendencies for rebellion and covetousness, the young are also seen as a threat. Youngsters want to tear down what oldsters have built. Oldsters see their institutions and legacies at risk.

Thus, the old push back with memes of their own to describe the young. Brats, scallawags, whippersnappers, slackers.

Same as it ever was.