By now, you've probably heard the term "OK Boomer" thrown around by some member of Generation Z or a millennial. If you're out of the loop, "OK Boomer" is a term used to undermine members of older generations - namely baby boomers - and basically imply that they just don't get it. Boomers themselves have responded in outrage, claiming that it unfairly belittles the accomplishments of their generation and toes the line between meme culture and ageism. However, the younger generation views it as a valid response to the condescension and obstinacy of generations prior.

In my opinion, both sides have a point.

First, I'll say this bluntly - baby boomers have a problem with their attitude. Now, I'm not saying millennials and GenZ-ers don't either, but that problem is different and I will address that later. Boomers have an ego that they cannot overcome - this is especially seen in Vice President Joe Biden who cannot apologize for any of his past transgressions. I realize that it is important to be proud of your culture, but bullheadedness is not pride - it is ignorance. When boomers see the younger generations fighting for change, they react by calling them out for being entitled or narcissistic. But no matter how idealistic the solutions of the younger generation are, at least they are standing up for what they believe in. And what is ironic is that boomers did the same exact thing during the Civil Rights Movement and standing up for gender equality.

Of course, it is the culture of the older generation to always criticize the actions of the younger - as I am sure we have all heard from our parents how they had it worse no matter the context and we'll do the same exact thing to our kids. However, this obstinacy has transformed the strong change-making boomers of the 1960s and 70s to staunch, immovable traditionalists who refuse to accept that times are changing and it is time to stop viewing younger generations as the "problem."

On the other hand, I do not necessarily find it fair for GenZ-ers and millennials to call boomers out for all of our present problems especially when the younger generation barely shows up to try to enact change through politics. What I am referring to is the mere 38% of women and 33% of men among ages 18 to 29 years old that voted in the past Congressional election in 2018. Among ages 65-plus, however, 65% of women and 68% of men voted. This means that for "OK Boomer" to have real substance to it, the younger generation has to step up and at least try to work through the enacted system to battle the policies they do not agree with.

Yes, as a member of the younger generation, I do find it difficult to reconcile with the fact that we were handed a, mind my language, shit show. Our college debt is through the roof, our economy is in shambles, and our society is on the brink of a race war. But not all of that is due to boomers. Ultimately, it is important for boomers to swallow their pride to recognize that they had it easier and we're just doing the best we can with what we got. But we, as the younger generation, also have to swallow our pride and step up to the plate if we're going to complain about what we got.