The baby boomer generation — those born between the end of World War II and the early 1960s — has arguably been the most dominant voice in America from the moment the oldest of them came of age in the ’60s. Their influence has been felt everywhere from politics to pop culture; however, some baby boomer trends need to die. From matters as serious as race relations to those as frivolous as fashion, these baby boomer trends have arguably reached the point where they’re having a negative impact and need to be phased out ASAP.
Fanny Packs
Let’s face it: If the Rock couldn’t pull off a fanny pack, most boomers (or anyone else for that matter) don’t have a shot.
And before anyone brings up their storage capacity, backpacks, drawstring packs, or even messenger bags can hold the same amount without looking like a growth coming from someone’s belt
Crocs
Do we need to say more? Just have a close look at them and you will know exactly why they need to stop existing.
Theme Park Ponchos
Nobody likes being rained on, but is it worse than walking around a theme park wearing a very overpriced, wet garbage bag?
Chain Restaurants
One of the litanies of things millennials have been accused of “killing” in recent years is chain restaurants like Applebee’s and Friday’s.
But we’d argue that, if anything, it’s a mercy killing. Most of the chain restaurants being mourned are nothing but reheated fast food at inflated prices.
Buying Homes on Credit
This one is less a trend and more a cautionary tale: Buying homes on credit is a bad idea, especially if the market tanks.
I mean, there was a whole housing crisis over this a decade ago.
Traditional Late-Night Talk Shows
The golden era of late-night talk shows like Johnny Carson’s version of The Tonight Show and the early years of David Letterman’s Late Night was an integral part of growing up for many baby boomers.
These days, not so much. Sure, there are still popular talk shows hosted by Jimmy Fallon, Stephen Colbert, and Jimmy Kimmel, but they’re better known for viral videos that are watched on phones and tablets rather than nightly appointment viewing.
Cable
As cord-cutting becomes mainstream, the boomer-era concept of cable packages — and cable television as we know it — is going to fade away.
Fast Food
Like chain restaurants, but worse for you, fast food was a staple of American life in the boomer years.
However, in the last decade, many traditional outlets have seen drooping profits as younger customers look to healthier alternatives.
Shopping at Malls
Shopping malls and chain stores were once the commercial heart of suburban America, but online shopping has nearly killed the category. As Amazon and other online suppliers have become the focal point of shopping for many, numerous brick-and-mortar chains and entire shopping malls have closed down.
The malls that remain open have moved away from being total shopping centers and instead are embracing being social meeting places.
Calling Instead of Texting
Unless a situation is dire, just text.
And don’t even get us started on boomers who text to say, “Give me a call when you have the chance.”
Complaining About Too Much Political Correctness
Let’s be honest, 99% of complaints about “too much political correctness” translates to “I wish I could offend people the way I used to.”
Making Casually Racist Jokes
Just because they used to be acceptable doesn’t make even kind of racist jokes okay, … or funny for that matter.
Sandals With Socks
It’s the opposite of Nike, AKA “Just don’t do it.”
Using Social Media Badly
Either figure out privacy settings and the difference between a private message and a public post or don’t use social media at all. And stop trying to Google through Facebook!
Polyester Suits
It’s not 1976 anymore, and frankly, these monstrosities didn’t look good back then either. Ditch those matching tracksuits while you’re at it.
Golf Visors
If you’re going to go through the trouble of wearing a hat, why not just wear one that covers your whole head?
Velcro Sneakers
Excepting those who need to wear them for medical reasons, no one older than the age of 7 should be wearing shoes that are close with velcro.
Socks Pulled up to Your Knees
If you’re wearing shorts, isn’t it the idea to have your legs uncovered? If so, why wear shorts only to hike your socks up nearly to the bottoms?
Being President
A baby boomer has been president for nearly 30 consecutive years. No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, can’t we all agree that that’s enough?
Blaming Millennials
“We’re not all like that.”
“Other generations do the same things.”
If you’re a baby boomer saying these things: Congratulations.
Now you know what it feels like to be a millennial.
