Respect the serious tag!

So back after the war to end all wars (even though we actually have another one coming up pretty soon) a bunch of children were born. They made certian moves to secure their wealth and property while throwing subsequent genrations under the bus...

(from Googly Gemini:)



The tension between younger generations (Millennials and Gen Z) and Baby Boomers is often rooted in a sense of "generational betrayal." While Boomers often point to hard work and frugality, younger generations argue that the structural economic ladders Boomers used to climb have been pulled up behind them.


Here is a breakdown of the specific accusations and economic shifts that have fueled this divide.

1. The "NIMBY" and Housing Supply AccusationPerhaps the most common grievance is that Boomers have used their political and financial power to restrict the housing supply.Zoning Laws: Younger generations accuse Boomers of supporting "Not In My Backyard" (NIMBY) policies. By voting for restrictive zoning that prevents the building of apartments or smaller starter homes, Boomers have protected their own property values while making it impossible for new buyers to enter the market.Housing as an Investment: Boomers are accused of shifting the cultural view of a home from a "place to live" to a "high-yield investment." This has led to the rise of "rent-seeking," where older generations buy up second or third properties to rent back to the younger generation, further depleting the inventory of homes for sale.Aging in Place: Unlike previous generations who downsized, many Boomers are staying in large family homes well into their 70s and 80s, often because they have locked in low property taxes or mortgage rates. This creates a "bottleneck" that prevents young families from moving in.2. The Cost-to-Income GapThe math simply doesn't look the same as it did in the 1970s and 80s.Wage Stagnation: Since the 1970s, productivity has increased significantly, but real wages (adjusted for inflation) have remained relatively flat.The Multiplier Effect: In 1970, the median home price was roughly 3x the median household income. Today, in many desirable areas, that ratio has soared to 7x or 10x.

Education Debt: Boomers often attended state universities when they were heavily subsidized by taxes, meaning many could pay for a degree with a part-time summer job. Younger generations have been "accused" of being fiscally irresponsible for taking on debt, yet the cost of that same education has risen by hundreds of percent, making student loans a near-necessity that prevents saving for a down payment.

3. The Shift in "Safety Nets"Wealth building for Boomers was often supported by institutional stability that no longer exists for younger workers.Pensions vs. 401(k)s: Boomers were the last generation to widely benefit from Defined Benefit Pensions, which provided guaranteed retirement income. Younger generations have been shifted to 401(k)s, which place all the market risk and saving responsibility on the individual.Infrastructure and Social Debt: There is a perception that Boomers enjoyed the benefits of high-quality public infrastructure and social programs built by the "Greatest Generation" but voted for tax cuts that allowed that infrastructure to decay, leaving the bill for repairs to their children.

4. Cultural "Gaslighting"Finally, there is a deep social resentment regarding how these economic realities are discussed.The "Avocado Toast" Trope: Younger people are frequently frustrated by older generations attributing their lack of wealth to "lifestyle choices" (like expensive coffee or travel).Perceived Luck vs. Skill: Many younger people feel that Boomers confuse historical timing (buying assets before a massive global bull market) with personal merit, leading to a lack of empathy for those entering a much more hostile economic environment.

generational theft.