Far too many young(er) people–Generations X, Y, and Z–are perplexed by the behavior of their elders: Admired and revered parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles who encircled the U.S. Capitol on January 6 and have been acting strangely ever since.
We had only to witness the mob of mostly white men over 50, to realize that Baby Boomers were in charge. In 2022, Boomers have the loudest voices, the greatest wealth, and the most control over every aspect of all our lives. And that includes the sliver of a generation called the PreBoomers, born before 1946.
Since the other generations outnumber Baby Boomers 3:1, it should be evident that Baby Boomers’ influence on the rest of us is a case of the tail wagging the dog, metaphorically speaking.
Gun control, climate change, rights of the disenfranchised, criminal justice, all issues dear to most of us, aren’t even a consideration for folks determined to overthrow our 225-year American democracy.
From a PreBoomer perspective, there is only one way to tame our radicalized Baby Boomer relatives and friends who are insisting on a new world order: DON’T BLAME ‘EM. SHAME ‘EM. Grannie Ani’s 20-question Catechize is specifically designed to remind angry elders of their humanity.
What did you do wrong at my age?
What did you lie to me about when I was a kid, excluding Santa Claus?
How old are you…really?
What are your dreams for the future?
What are your dreams for my future?
When were you the happiest?
When were you the most unhappy?
When you were my age, who was your most positive influence?
When you were my age, who was your most negative influence?
Who was the first person who broke your heart?
Who is the first person who betrayed your trust?
What is your greatest hope for our country?
Do I have any siblings that I don’t know about?
What is your biggest regret?
What is the biggest misconception you had as a child?
When and how did you find out that you were mistaken or wrong?
Who do you most admire?
Why do you admire that person?
What was your best stage in life?
How difficult has this conversation been for you?
BONUS QUESTION: How old is old?
—---------------------
With those questions answered honestly, Grannie Ani and I are sure that you will know what to do. If not, keep in touch. We PreBoomers are full of ideas. AMEN