Since Dylan’s epic 1964 anthem first played on top 40 radio (a relic format in itself), the times they are a-changin’ — still. But what exactly has changed between then and now? Lots, of course … but, strangely, much has also stayed exactly the same.
Dylan’s generation is now passing their inheritance on to the next generation. We live in a truly unique moment in time, in which the oldest and youngest generations occupying the planet have a very similarperspective: we seek meaningful lives. The circumstances are different, but the values are the same.
Not-so-ancient history
The Youth Quake movement that first challenged the 1950s status quo rejected “business as usual” tactics — vestiges of the Industrial Revolution — and launched the notion of the anti-establishment primarily in response to the Vietnam War.
We changed the very fabric of society in the home, the workplace and education. We are the original generation that called BS on the BS — and even though we might feel a bit unsuccessful in authentically making change for the better, we’re still optimistic (even with the bit of cynicism our kids detect when we tell them to go for it).
The Youth Quake movement forged in the 60s is now quite senior, but it has experienced a rebirth by way of art installations and tours nationwide and around the world. This trend has clearly not been forgotten or ignored, and it goes much deeper now than just music or fashion.
Common ground
Boomers and Millennials actually have a lot in common. The youngest productive generation now has strong similarities with retirees — the need for purpose in our lives. Both generations have seen how blind ambition, shameless greed, misplaced goals and reckless cynicism are not worth our time.
None of us wants to just punch the clock, compromise our ideals or support endeavors that make the world worse. We all agree — why would we do this? How could we live with ourselves? Why would it be worth it?
Tech is the new hair
Boomers and Millennials have obvious synergies, but they remain unexplored and untapped. The biggest generation gap in the 60s was hair. Now it’s tech. Based on that alone, we’ve certainly come a long way in a good direction. That’s great news, but we must recognize the opportunity and not make the same mistake twice.
Hairstyles used to be the symbol of a new-found individualism — a statement self-actualization, counter-cultural leanings, and even revolutionary views on society’s ills. This is what technology represents in many ways to adults and teens in 2013. Teenagers, young adults and — increasingly — middle-aged and senior adults, consider their Facebook profiles or Twitter posts part of their identity. Their devices are customized to reflect their unique personalities.
To be clear, you can still get in trouble with a bad haircut, too.
We share similar values
We do have a lot to offer as to how to navigate the digitization of our lives — and it’s needed. At our core, we are much more similar than we realize. Are we at a point where we can work together to improve the creativity, spontaneity, problem-solving and acceptance of others in our culture? I think we are. Both the oldest and youngest living generation today could find a lot of common ground (blue hair?*) and we want a meaningful existence. We endeavor to enjoy a robust and worthy, insightful conversation about positive ways forward.
We have the opportunity to take charge and instigate formidable, inspiring, positive change — pretty cool.
Check out our blog for more insights on how other WiseTribe members use change to enhance their lives. Join us to contribute your ideas!
Ann Odell is a creative strategist providing transformative services to entrepreneurs and Fortune 1000s. She is also a Baby Boomer and a passionate advocate for crossing the generational divide. You can connect with Ann on LinkedIn.
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* C’mon. That was kinda funny.
