this post was submitted on 15 Jan 2024
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Mildly Interesting

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[–] [email protected] 27 points 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago) (3 children)

The values of wealth accumulation and materialism are not at all limited to or even expressed mostly strongly by the Baby Boomer generation.

The line of thinking that capitalism dies with boomers or that Gen X, Millennials, Gen Z, or whatever comes next will not fully embrace capitalism and will move towards socialism or some other non-competitive society seems pretty naive.

Humans are a competitive species. Most people want to win. I doubt this mindset dies with boomers.

[–] [email protected] 14 points 10 months ago (1 children)

Humans are a co-operative species, same goes for our ape and monkey cousins.

It is this instinctual nature of working together that enabled us to take down bigger prey, settle new lands, and become the dominant species on the planet.

[–] [email protected] 7 points 10 months ago

I don’t disagree. That said, would suggest that externally we are cooperative, but internally we are competitive. Even in ape families, there exists a hierarchy generally ruled by the biggest, strongest male.

Which brings us back to the point at hand. Will humans come together to solve climate change? Or will humans continue to try to win at all costs?

I can see either as a possibility. But I don’t see boomers dying as a catalyst.

[–] [email protected] 11 points 10 months ago (1 children)

The rich are very concerned about the fact that all statistical evidence pointing to younger generations being starkly more socially minded than boomers. Don't forget that Millennials have lived through a major economic crisis. Just like the Great Depression, that generally makes people realize that Capitalism is bullshit.

The wealthy are funding massive propaganda campaigns as a result. They are unfortunately making some in roads with young men. But overall I don't think it will be enough.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 10 months ago

Don't forget that Millennials have lived through a major economic crisis.

Yes, yes we have.

I’ll be very interested to see how the younger generations age. Anecdotally, I’ve witnessed numerous people go from progressive socialists, to centrist capitalists as they age. Not saying that will continue, only saying this as I’ve seen similar studies that show younger people are more progressive than older folks every 5 years for the past 3 decades. It’s not a terribly new concept, and I’m hopeful that it remains true.

[–] [email protected] 0 points 10 months ago

I agree! A change of the mindset is generational change at best. In many cases flawed ideologies and poor educational standards are just beeing continued. Yet I want to be one of the naive and think that there will be a new way of thinking and noticeable political change. For the better or the worse.., who knows?!