General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsThe protestors seemed different?
There didn't seem to be as many Baby Boomers as in the past?
Instead, they have been replaced.
The marchers are more young, a lot of Generation Z, a lot of energy, demanding justice, and more aggressive than the Baby Boomers of the past. They are not as easily controlled.
As for Baby Boomers, they will be judged by what was accomplished in social good and civil rights during their ascendancy. Where were women and minorities before the 1950's? In my opinion, we can see progress, but it is not near enough.
JI7
(89,172 posts)Covid prevented older people from coming out and the closure of schools and things freed up younger people to come out.
hlthe2b
(101,705 posts)I do NOT believe the BOOMERS who were out in the street against Vietnam and certainly most recently against Trump's climate change, immigration, gun control, and other abusive policies have suddenly become apathetic about race. They may not be out there in the same numbers as previously, but I have seen many, including when I have attended peaceful protests in Colorado front range communities.
They are no longer able to outrun the police and surely are not able to "outrun" the likelihood of death from COVID-19. That does not make them apathetic nor unengaged.
safeinOhio
(32,527 posts)I did my time on the streets on the 60s and 70s. Stood over burn barrels and strike lines in the 70s and 80s.
Now I donate $ to Dems, NAACP and SPLC. We do what we can with what weve got.
I never miss an election either.
HAB911
(8,811 posts)but not in a crowd of thousands
ms liberty
(8,478 posts)I think that might be a big factor.
tblue37
(64,979 posts)spend more than a few minutes standing or walking now.
Solomon
(12,305 posts)brush
(53,467 posts)out and protesting (they've been largely absent until now), and I hope they also turn out and vote heavily as well.
GenZers are the future and they're stepping up.
And not working or going to school is a huge factor, not to mention Covid-19 as far as the boomers go.
SallyHemmings
(1,813 posts)Squinch
(50,773 posts)me, but I just can't take the risk.
However, my niece is out there every night and she's reading and talking to her friends and energizing the people around her. (I'm very, very proud of her. )
I think we are passing the torch into good hands.
And about what Boomers have done? It's easy to forget how far we have come, but we shouldn't. It isn't nearly far enough, but there have been extraordinary improvements in the lives of women and people of color on our watch. As a woman, if I had been born 40 years earlier, I could not live anything like the life I live.
Yes. It's never enough, but we moved the ball forward. And really, in the history of the world before us, the ball had never moved much at all.
I think the arc was bent toward justice, and maybe moreso than any time in recorded history?
2naSalit
(86,039 posts)As a not-so-pearly-white skinned person I remember pre-1964 racial atmosphere; I remember women not being able to wear pants in most settings girls in school could not wear pants; I remember the draft and the war protests, I marched in several and was gassed more than once back in the day.
It's about time the younger generations realized and acted on their own behalf in this fight. We can't give them everything, they need to speak up for themselves too.
Arkansas Granny
(31,483 posts)Many show support online and financially.
Most of us can't believe that we are still fighting this battle.
snowybirdie
(5,190 posts)to go out and protest, but am so proud so many of my grandchildren are there!
secondwind
(16,903 posts)crowds today. I did my all, I marched across bridges for affordable care with a baby on my back, I went to countless meetings, etc, I protested against the war in Vietnam etc.
I have passed the baton.
Raven123
(4,714 posts)Also, a number of boomers are caregivers for spouses or parents.
No generation is perfect. It takes the perspective of new generations to generate change. Seeing younger people engaged is exactly what we need.
Maeve
(42,224 posts)I want to be and even have a sign in mind (Listen to the Pain---#BLM) but with covid still active I have to think of my 89 yr old mom--I'm a part-time caretaker for her and can't put her at risk; she's frail enough.
I've donated to our local food bank to help with their crisis and am looking for the best place to send donations to support the protests. And I'm writing to legislators about the issues. (I get too emotional on the phone). And I'm proud to say that my son is deployed with the National Guard--testing for covid in residential facilities, not on the streets, either.
We all have our parts to play.
lark
(22,998 posts)She most likely would not make it if she got this. I had to go through making the decision to unplug our scarred lungs mother from the vent and I will do anything to avoid having a similar situation with my sis who is also my BFF. I am with the marchers in spirit and have written letters to several newspapers in support of them and against police racism and violence.
Chainfire
(17,305 posts)as us boomers die off.
Dustlawyer
(10,493 posts)I take care of my 83 year old mom who lives with me. My kids are protesting with my full support and I am there in spirit.
Alliepoo
(2,195 posts)Didnt go to downtown Cbus to protest-too many people and I dont want to catch the corona. Here in my suburb there are weekly protests. Id say there were about 300 peeps at this one last Thursday. Channel 4 came out to film. They left before the fun started. I saw the lady(?)(She was no lady) pull up in her silver pickup. She got out and made her way through the crowd. She was saying something as she walked, I heard people saying dont listen to her, shes a disrupter The protesters stretched pretty much the entire block. I could see people move as she made her way down the line. After several minutes I could hear a disturbance and here comes the lady(?) walking back, an organizer right on her heels with a bullhorn announcing to everyone to stay away from the lady(?) because she said she has coronavirus. People were scattering like crazy. The lady(?) got in her truck, lit a cigarette, rolled her window down and said to some protesters that were shouting at her Im just like you. What that was supposed to mean I have no idea. She took off in her truck. A minute later the organizer told us all to disinfect because the lady(?) claimed she had corona. Told us to leave because she couldnt sanction us continuing the protest under those circumstances. The police were called to make a report. I saw on FB that the lady(?) was identified. Said she was going up to people and hugging them without permission and asking for kisses. Charges are being filed against her. Folks were commenting that the people she hugged had the right to know if she really does have coronavirus. I agree with them. Anyway, I plan to be at this weeks protest with my mask and practicing social distancing!