In the last weeks I have felt a great deal of stress about the election and the news. I don’t have a TV but have been tethered to the news on my car radio and the Internet. So, a few days ago I decided to tamp down my contact with these sources. When I am in the car, I only listen to classical or spa music. I look at CNN online perhaps once a day. I have amped up my writing non political material though I am reposting some earlier election essays. In fact, I have decided that on Election Day, I will go to bed early and read about the election in the morning. These steps should help reduce the election stress.
Marc, myself and many friends have decided just the same as you. We are not staying up watching the election. We are all going to bed early. As for myself I will try to delay even learning the results although one way or another that news will arrive, like it or not.
Mark, I have stayed up to watch election results for a few years now. I never watch TV news, listen to radio news, I do read some news on the NYT and WaPo. I wrote for John Kerry's campaign and managed and wrote a political blog until 2016. My newsletter is politics free, because I need to preserve my own peace of mind. I said to Allan in a comment below, the internet is the biggest contributor to the political divide.
Allan, it is easy for people to be angry online where they can be far move divisive and even anonymous. Not to mention the high influx of fake news flooding the internet, social media and Substack. Sadly, there are a lot of folks who are like to fuel the flames on both sides of the election.
Focusing on the more “personal” aspects of life arrived with the Boomer’s (and created a lot of good changes), but that mindset is fading. Millennials are instinctively more accepting of ideas, cultures, etc, that differs from their own… and will lead us into a more collaborative mindset. This is how I keep my cool these days, knowing that it’s a trend that is heading in what I see as a very helpful direction. TY for sharing about this personalization that is so difficult to manage these days, especially around politics.
Hi Pamela, your prompts are helping me to think about how I can get clearer on any posts or comments I make. TY
When I use the term “Boomers”, understand that with the “generational trend that was occurring during the early Boomer years.” They came of age with the full-on force of the pre boomer (silent or traditionalist) dominance. The early wave Boomers arrived in a “black & white” “Binary” way of being in the world. This is the stereotypical image of Boomers. It was a phase that did exist. It is more difficult for an earlier boomer to make this shift in mindset than the later boomers, or even gen X.
Generation are on a progressive path.
As time passed, and early boomers had begun to influence change, late stage boomers found a world where they could be more open, more accepting. (Free not to make a binary choice) but not all Boomers made this shift.
That’s just how generational dynamics work — not good, nor bad.
I have come to believe that it was/is parents like you who are open minded and embracing of change that instilled in our children the Millennial values that enable them to be less judgmental and more accepting in general. Remember, I’m referring to generations as a cultural shift, NOT individuals. As Millennials begin to lead, I’m optimistic that our polarization will decrease and our embracing of the importance of community will increase.
My perspectives on generations have been primarily influenced by the publications of Neil Howe and William Strauss (first published in the early 90s). To dive deeper into the Strauss-Howe Generational Theory, consider starting with Neil’s most recent book that is comprehensive plus timely all in one.
Howe, Neil. The Fourth Turning Is Here: What the Seasons of History Tell Us About How and When This Crisis Will End. Simon & Schuster, 2023.
"Chart 4-3 Four Turnings, By Social Mood "
would be a good place to start and is the foundation of the dynamic I'm highlighting here. My writings are an attempt to convey the principles of the Strauss-Howe generational theory in a non-academic way, as seen in today's culture. In that, this is my perspective formed over the past 30 years.
I do not propose that I am speaking for Neil Howe.
I 'm a very open-minded boomer who stood on the front lines of so many of issues that include being "more accepting ideas and cultures" and there are so many others like me, who taught these things to our Millennial children, that is of course the first place we learn to collaborate --- at home.
Perhaps Boomer's might be more vested in what is at stake in this election because one candidate would like to wipe out all the things that Boomer's fought for and put into place in our government.
I think you might take a deeper look before you dismiss the feelings of multiple generations stressing about this election and not just intimate that Boomer's are the ones who are worried about it, because they are not.
It's never helpful to single out one generation as the cause of problems or issues. As we grow older we learn to see the value of every generation and their achievements.
Furthermore, your response to Allan's very heartfelt post was very much a flip "Ok Boomer" ageist response.
My reference to Boomers refers to the generational trends… and how they show up, influence, change culture. I apologize if my words sounded “personal” which is exactly what Allan was highlighting as a dynamic that is provoking division and stress.
I appreciate your awareness and open-mindedness in raising your millennial child! That is exactly what generational dynamics are intended to do. Not sure I understand your last statement… but if you’re curious about understanding my perspective further, please check out my own writing and see if you still think that my mindset is an ageist OK Boomer. Sincerely, I appreciate the conversation and have a very open mind to when it’s time for me to shift what I’m saying and doing.
TY for engaging with my comment.
BTW, your substack is beautiful and moving. I’ve subscribed. Best!
Mo, I got the impression from this sentence - “Millennials are instinctively more accepting of ideas, cultures, etc, that differs from their own” - that you think Millennials have something that Boomers are lacking, and I find that to be wrong. I am curious why you think Boomers are not accepting of ideas, cultures, etc, that differ from their own. I am simply not the only aware, open minded Boomer on the planet. :)
I will check out your writer and I am glad you found my writing of interest. I appreciate you subscribing.
We have certainly had close elections before (e.g., 2000; 1968; 1960). We have certainly had divisive issues (e.g., Vietnam) on the political landscape. My question is the obvious one: prior to the advent of Trump, did we ever have such "election stress" and animosity between supporters of the two major parties? I am unaware of any since the Civil War...
Allan, Thankfully the election is coming up soon and we can all begin to breathe a little easier. The internet has fueled the divisions between people, policies and political parties. Having worked for the Dem candidate during the first internet election, I saw the onset of the issues that plague our divisions first hand. If we were to take the internet out of the equation, and I realize that may never happen, the divisions would not be so acute.
In the last weeks I have felt a great deal of stress about the election and the news. I don’t have a TV but have been tethered to the news on my car radio and the Internet. So, a few days ago I decided to tamp down my contact with these sources. When I am in the car, I only listen to classical or spa music. I look at CNN online perhaps once a day. I have amped up my writing non political material though I am reposting some earlier election essays. In fact, I have decided that on Election Day, I will go to bed early and read about the election in the morning. These steps should help reduce the election stress.
Marc, myself and many friends have decided just the same as you. We are not staying up watching the election. We are all going to bed early. As for myself I will try to delay even learning the results although one way or another that news will arrive, like it or not.
Mark, I have stayed up to watch election results for a few years now. I never watch TV news, listen to radio news, I do read some news on the NYT and WaPo. I wrote for John Kerry's campaign and managed and wrote a political blog until 2016. My newsletter is politics free, because I need to preserve my own peace of mind. I said to Allan in a comment below, the internet is the biggest contributor to the political divide.
I like what you say at the end that we should listen to other people even when we disagree. Sadly not many people do this these days.
People seem so angry.
Allan, it is easy for people to be angry online where they can be far move divisive and even anonymous. Not to mention the high influx of fake news flooding the internet, social media and Substack. Sadly, there are a lot of folks who are like to fuel the flames on both sides of the election.
Focusing on the more “personal” aspects of life arrived with the Boomer’s (and created a lot of good changes), but that mindset is fading. Millennials are instinctively more accepting of ideas, cultures, etc, that differs from their own… and will lead us into a more collaborative mindset. This is how I keep my cool these days, knowing that it’s a trend that is heading in what I see as a very helpful direction. TY for sharing about this personalization that is so difficult to manage these days, especially around politics.
Thank you for your much more optimistic outlook. That is just what is needed.
Hi Pamela, your prompts are helping me to think about how I can get clearer on any posts or comments I make. TY
When I use the term “Boomers”, understand that with the “generational trend that was occurring during the early Boomer years.” They came of age with the full-on force of the pre boomer (silent or traditionalist) dominance. The early wave Boomers arrived in a “black & white” “Binary” way of being in the world. This is the stereotypical image of Boomers. It was a phase that did exist. It is more difficult for an earlier boomer to make this shift in mindset than the later boomers, or even gen X.
Generation are on a progressive path.
As time passed, and early boomers had begun to influence change, late stage boomers found a world where they could be more open, more accepting. (Free not to make a binary choice) but not all Boomers made this shift.
That’s just how generational dynamics work — not good, nor bad.
I have come to believe that it was/is parents like you who are open minded and embracing of change that instilled in our children the Millennial values that enable them to be less judgmental and more accepting in general. Remember, I’m referring to generations as a cultural shift, NOT individuals. As Millennials begin to lead, I’m optimistic that our polarization will decrease and our embracing of the importance of community will increase.
TY again for your engagement. Best!
Thank you and the best to you.
Mo do you have data on this or are you positing here?
Pamela, thanks for asking.
My perspectives on generations have been primarily influenced by the publications of Neil Howe and William Strauss (first published in the early 90s). To dive deeper into the Strauss-Howe Generational Theory, consider starting with Neil’s most recent book that is comprehensive plus timely all in one.
Howe, Neil. The Fourth Turning Is Here: What the Seasons of History Tell Us About How and When This Crisis Will End. Simon & Schuster, 2023.
"Chart 4-3 Four Turnings, By Social Mood "
would be a good place to start and is the foundation of the dynamic I'm highlighting here. My writings are an attempt to convey the principles of the Strauss-Howe generational theory in a non-academic way, as seen in today's culture. In that, this is my perspective formed over the past 30 years.
I do not propose that I am speaking for Neil Howe.
Neil Howe can be found on substack at demographyunplugged.com
Feel free to DM me if you'd like to explore this further. I appreciate your interest and dialogue. Best!
Mo_, I find your perspective to be a bit limited.
I 'm a very open-minded boomer who stood on the front lines of so many of issues that include being "more accepting ideas and cultures" and there are so many others like me, who taught these things to our Millennial children, that is of course the first place we learn to collaborate --- at home.
Perhaps Boomer's might be more vested in what is at stake in this election because one candidate would like to wipe out all the things that Boomer's fought for and put into place in our government.
I think you might take a deeper look before you dismiss the feelings of multiple generations stressing about this election and not just intimate that Boomer's are the ones who are worried about it, because they are not.
It's never helpful to single out one generation as the cause of problems or issues. As we grow older we learn to see the value of every generation and their achievements.
Furthermore, your response to Allan's very heartfelt post was very much a flip "Ok Boomer" ageist response.
Pamela, TY for your thoughtful reply.
My reference to Boomers refers to the generational trends… and how they show up, influence, change culture. I apologize if my words sounded “personal” which is exactly what Allan was highlighting as a dynamic that is provoking division and stress.
I appreciate your awareness and open-mindedness in raising your millennial child! That is exactly what generational dynamics are intended to do. Not sure I understand your last statement… but if you’re curious about understanding my perspective further, please check out my own writing and see if you still think that my mindset is an ageist OK Boomer. Sincerely, I appreciate the conversation and have a very open mind to when it’s time for me to shift what I’m saying and doing.
TY for engaging with my comment.
BTW, your substack is beautiful and moving. I’ve subscribed. Best!
Pam and Mo—healthy debate is what we need and the two of you are displaying just that.
Mo, I got the impression from this sentence - “Millennials are instinctively more accepting of ideas, cultures, etc, that differs from their own” - that you think Millennials have something that Boomers are lacking, and I find that to be wrong. I am curious why you think Boomers are not accepting of ideas, cultures, etc, that differ from their own. I am simply not the only aware, open minded Boomer on the planet. :)
I will check out your writer and I am glad you found my writing of interest. I appreciate you subscribing.
Healthy debate just like this is what we need
We have certainly had close elections before (e.g., 2000; 1968; 1960). We have certainly had divisive issues (e.g., Vietnam) on the political landscape. My question is the obvious one: prior to the advent of Trump, did we ever have such "election stress" and animosity between supporters of the two major parties? I am unaware of any since the Civil War...
I agree with you.
Allan, Thankfully the election is coming up soon and we can all begin to breathe a little easier. The internet has fueled the divisions between people, policies and political parties. Having worked for the Dem candidate during the first internet election, I saw the onset of the issues that plague our divisions first hand. If we were to take the internet out of the equation, and I realize that may never happen, the divisions would not be so acute.