In the realm of social etiquette, Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964) have often been hailed as the ambassadors of politeness and graciousness. However, a recent report by McCrindle and personal experiences paint a more nuanced picture, challenging the notion that younger generations, including Millennials, are inherently lacking in good manners.
While the McCrindle report emphasizes the importance of traditional etiquette standards and manners in maintaining community harmony, it also suggests that younger generations may excel in other areas, such as recognizing dietary requirements. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that not all Baby Boomers adhere to these unwritten rules of politeness.
A series of encounters with ‘Generation Social Etiquette’ raised questions about their reputation for courtesy. In one instance, a Baby Boomer bank teller greeted a customer with silence and dismissively rolled her eyes. In another, two older women in a shopping center rudely demanded that the narrator and her daughter move out of their way, despite ample space being available.
These experiences challenge the assumption that Baby Boomers are universally polite and courteous. While it is true that some individuals may exhibit impeccable manners, the notion that an entire generation is devoid of social graces is an overgeneralization. In reality, both Baby Boomers and younger generations can display both positive and negative behaviors when it comes to etiquette.
It is important to recognize that generalizations about entire generations can be misleading and that individuals within any age group may vary widely in their behavior. Rather than making broad assumptions, it is more accurate and fair to evaluate individuals based on their own actions and attitudes regarding social etiquette.
