In 1966, Time Magazine collectively coined the Baby Boom generation “Man of the Year”. This generation lived up to Time’s momentous designation, fearlessly going on to lead a number of revolutionary movements, among them, fittingly, the women’s movement. (Note that Time now pays tribute to “Person” of the Year).
Indeed, a century from now, when historians look back at what the baby boomers gave to America, I believe they will observe boomers’ contributions have been rich and many. But their best legacy may just be their Echo Boomer children.
The Echo Boomers, also dubbed “Generation Y” and the “Millennials” are roughly ages 10 to 29 and at 80 million strong top boomer numbers by 2 million. In many respects, they are not like their once anti-establishment parents. By the time boomers got around to parenting, they began to view childrearing as “the highest form of self-discovery” (the latter, according to Neil Howe and William Strauss in Millennials Rising).
Almost from the time they left the womb, many Echo Boomer babies were shuttled around from one activity to the next in cars preciously labeled with bright yellow “Baby on Board” signs. They were “heavily programmed” and even “over managed,” an upbringing which resulted in sheltered, yet confident children who consider themselves “special” and who constantly aim to please.
Echo Boomers are characterized by their trust of authority, including the government. They are team-oriented and place a higher premium on the group than the individual. They like conventional things, they value traditions like marriage, and they love to follow the rules. I repeat, love to follow the rules.
One clear boomer hand-me-down to Echo Boomer babies has been a strong sense of social consciousness. The Echo Boomers are considered by many to be the most tolerant generation, emphasizing connectedness and inclusivity. A whopping 80% report they have volunteered with civic organizations. And their biggest fears? Loneliness and not succeeding at school or work. This highly diligent group of overachievers are even thought by some—including many of their boomer parents—to be the next “greatest” generation.
So, it seems that after their wild nights of “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” and listening to Hendrix at Woodstock, America’s boomers grew up, became successful and did what every ideal parent strives for: they raised good kids.
Amanda Sobanet