Labels are Really Uncool.

I remember as high school students we labeled everyone. Each group had its own identity and everyone in that group was assigned traits that defined their particular category. Examples of these labels are the popular kids, the jocks, the stoners, the band nerds, etc. We didn't have any malicious intent, we just did it.

I thought that as we left high school, we would also leave the labels behind. Unfortunately, that was far from true. I was known as a rebel because I didn't fit into the established social norms at my Christian University. I was a confused, lonely seventeen-year-old that liked to wear band shirts and ripped jeans. I was not a rebel. I am by nature a rule follower, a bit of a nerd. But I reinvented myself to fit the moniker and for two years lived as though a lie was the truth. As a result, I experienced pain, shame, and rejection, issues that I still deal with as an adult.

Labels hurt. Stereotypes and generalizations make it easy to de-humanize, to feel contempt, anger and this ultimately leads to the breakdown of society. Extreme examples of this include Hitler, Stalin, and Saddam Hussein. They were able to convince thousands that there were certain groups of people that were "less than" and therefore deserved elimination.

Back in the '90s a couple of bored fellows authored a book, "Generations". Maybe there was grant money involved, I don't know. I'm being snarky and sarcastic but there is a point. As a result of this groundbreaking book, we have generational labels for the 20th century and into the 21st. Accordingly, we have labeled our generations and pigeonholed individuals. In the process, respect has been lost and blame indiscriminately tossed out like candy at a parade.

I fall under the particularly unimaginative category of Baby Boomer (barely) My generation (again, I'm barely a boomer) are viewed as selfish, greedy jerks who have ruined the planet and outsourced American jobs. In reality, the majority of us are generous and hard-working and had absolutely no input when it came to sending jobs overseas. I have to admit, some of the "OK Boomer" memes are impressively creative and humorous. I've got no problem laughing at them even as I wince a bit. However, Memes or Tweets that anticipate and celebrate the possible elimination of Boomers by Covid19 are offensive and disturbing. I've read too many post-apocalyptic books with no characters over the age of 25. In all seriousness, it hurts my heart to be hated by some who don't even know me.

I have admittedly chuckled at some memes calling out Millenials for being lazy, living with their parents when they're 30, and whining about literally everything. Confession: I've possibly made a snide remark or two about them. Again, Stereotypes. I have millennial children and they are hard-working, honest, own their own homes and serve their communities. Many Millenials are raising families and trying to take care of those in need.

The Gen Zers seem to hate everyone that was born previous to 2000. They are described as angry, anti-everything and ready to scream at anyone whose opinion differs from theirs. They openly mock their parents (Gen X). In reality, most of them are looking for a cause, something to believe in. They want to make a difference---and yes, possibly become insta-famous at the same time. Age will mellow them and teach them forbearance but I hope it doesn't temper their fire too much.

I believe that if we desire our nation to come together and be truly great, we need to stop seeing each other as generations and see the individual. I know some wickedly cranky older people. I know others that, despite incredibly difficult lives (WWII, Great Depression, Vietnam, etc) have remained positive sources of wisdom and knowledge in a culture that undervalues them. As a bonus, they tell the greatest stories! I know young people who are self-centered as all youth are: I was no different. I have every certainty that they will impact their communities as well as the world if given the tools and some encouragement.

I want to see you, regardless of age, religion, politics, ethnicity or background. I want to know your story. I want to drink coffee with you and exchange ideas. I want to hear about the books you've read and why you loved/hated them. I want to understand your life and the pressures you're under. I believe I can learn from you. I want to be your friend whether you're 16 or 86.

-For the strength of the pack is the wolf and the strength of the wolf is the pack-

Rudyard Kipling