Thanks to their sheer numbers, Baby Boomers have always had an outsize effect on politics and policy. When they were young and liberal, society became more liberal. As they got older and more conservative, conservatism made a comeback.
So, given their power over the decades, how much blame do Boomers deserve for society’s current problems?
Many younger people look at the political and economic choices Boomers have made over the course of their lives, and they see a selfish generation that has taken care of itself at the expense of everyone else.
They point to many examples: Housing policy that has increased Boomer wealth but left homes out of reach for young people; governments that opened up the coffers when Boomers were in school but now cry poor, leaving today’s students riddled with debt; and a purging of the planet's resources that has accelerated the effects of climate change.
But Boomers are fighting back against the attacks on their record. Many of them argue that their critics conveniently forget some of the challenges Boomers faced when they were young and life back then wasn’t nearly as rosy as millennials seem to think. Boomers fought hard for social and political changes that today’s youth take for granted.
Arguing in favour of the resolution is Eric Lombardi. He's an opinion writer and contributor to The Hub and the Toronto Star.
Arguing against the resolution is Sean O’Grady. He is the Associate Editor of the Independent UK, where he writes editorials and columns about politics and economics.
SOURCES: MSNBC, Five-Thirty-Eight
The host of the Munk Debates is Rudyard Griffiths
Vote on who you think won this debate on our website www.munkdebates.com.
To sign up for a weekly email reminder for this podcast, send an email to podcast@munkdebates.com.
To support civil and substantive debate on the big questions of the day, consider becoming a Munk Member at https://munkdebates.com/membership
Members receive access to our 50+ year library of great debates in HD video, a free Munk Debates book, newsletter and ticketing privileges at our live events.
This podcast is a project of the Munk Debates, a Canadian charitable organization dedicated to fostering civil and substantive public dialogue - https://munkdebates.com/
Senior Producer: Ricki Gurwitz
Producer: Daniel Kitts
Editor: Kieran Lynch
1. On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
2. 24/7 News: The Latest
Today’s Latest News In 4 Minutes. Updated Hourly.
3. The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.