Hey Gen Z, Boomers: It's "OK" to Disagree

While conflict makes for entertaining reading guess what This is not a contest and no one39s going to declare a winner Maybe we39re missing the real point Generations have always disagreed with each other and always will amp8212 and that39s OKWe classify people by generation because we believe that the way they share historical experiences and social trends leads to commonalities in their behavior habits and values Each generation is born into a unique location in history so is influenced differently by the differing context in which they live In this regard we are fundamentally destined to be different and thus prone to disagree with each otherAs a young boomer I was part of the antiestablishment generation that came of age rejecting and rebelling against conformity We were righteous activists who experimented with hallucinogenic drugs challenged the norms of sexuality protested for women39s rights and crusaded against an unpopular war and political corruption Not only did we not fit into the existing American culture we proudly and defiantly identified as being a counterculture We went out of our way to be despised by the older generations and we were absolutely resolute in that purposeSo how is it that we can sit here today feeling surprised and annoyed that the millennials and Gen Z see the world differently than we do They are no different now than we were then They39re simply behaving the way any new generation does in the context of a new era of experiences and sociopolitical influencesAssuming that our generations will continue to bicker what can we learn from this cultural dynamic and what are the implications for marketersGaps Are GoodOur brief glimpse back in time has reminded us that there has always been a pattern of generational friction As long as we live in a changing world it39s going to be normal for a new generation to adopt unique values and behaviors as part of their cultural adaptation process That said when we refer to these normal differences as a quotGeneration Gapquot we39re creating and perpetuating an animosity between the generations that is a distortion of realityWhat39s more we think of a gap as problematic so we react in one of two ways We either set out to try to fix it or failing that we take sides since there39s inherently no middle ground when you have a gap And this is where we are today amp8212 taking sides pointing fingers and thinking that someone is going to declare a winnerIn the end the gap that we39re currently preoccupied with is normal and it39s not going to go away We need to embrace our differences in generational values as being a natural part of change amp8212 change that is usually for the betterLook for the BridgesThe recent social media flurry has us believing that quotOK Boomerquot is the beginning of a movement and the end of friendly generational relationships Time will tell but in all likelihood we will soon move on and put most of this behind us In the meantime the fanning of the supposed generational fire is deflecting attention away from lots of intergenerational harmonyWith all of the bashing going on it39s easy to forget that most millennials are the children of boomers Remember the soccer moms and the helicopter parents These were boomers who were more actively involved in and dedicated to their children39s lives than any generation before So did their devout love for their children suddenly go away when the first quotOK Boomerquot Tshirts hit the marketOn the contrary many millennials claim that their parents are actually their best friends The two generations are sharing many of the same experiences while also collaborating for common good in activities such as caregiving and community serviceSo before you look to widen the differences look for the bridges instead Better yet see if your brand or business can build generational bridges that don39t yet existListen UpIf you39ve been eavesdropping on this generational debate you39ve surely been fascinated by what39s being said and how it39s being said This is a rare opportunity for marketers to get a free firsthand understanding of each generation39s core beliefs and their corresponding behaviorsWhile smart marketing is always in touch with what people want and why the very best marketing is that which demonstrates an understanding of how people are feeling The generational nuances that we39re witnessing are coming from a deep emotional place and they are sure to persistPay close attention to what you39re hearing today because it will pay dividends tomorrow The more you listen the more you will learn and the more you will have to leverage in marketing that demonstrates that you understand your consumersIn the end it39s OK to disagree and it39s OK to have a generational gap Both of these phenomena are the consequence of an underlying dynamic amp8212 generational diversity amp8212 that is normal and benevolent If you look back in time each successive variation in generational values has proved to be constructive in fueling positive and enduring cultural changeIf it39s true that our differences serve a higherorder purpose then it39s time to accept them for what they are and move on to bigger and better things Just imagine what would be possible if boomers Gen Z and millennials all came together and used the power in their numbers to fulfill a common cause At a time when our country39s feeling pretty divided it39s aweinspiring to think of the possibilitiesPhoto courtesy of BoomAgersClick the social buttons to share this story with your friends and colleaguesThe opinions and points of view expressed in this content are exclusively the views of the author andor subjects and do not necessarily represent the views of MediaVillagecomMyersBizNet Inc management or associated writers

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Hey Gen Z, Boomers: It's "OK" to Disagree

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Peter Hubbell

Jon Miller | Cofounder Marketo, Engagio | The Gumball Machine is Broken - Rethinking B2B Marketing - By Mike Linton

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Hey Gen Z, Boomers: It's "OK" to Disagree

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Peter Hubbell

Jon Miller | Cofounder Marketo, Engagio | The Gumball Machine is Broken - Rethinking B2B Marketing - By Mike Linton

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