Is ‘OK Boomer’ an example of casual ageism? If yes, what other examples are there?
The slogan “OK boomer” is an internet meme used among teens and adults to belittle or ridicule views of those born in the two decades after WWII. Here are some other examples of ageist language and attitude that we may not even notice:
• Telling a lady, she’s “too old” to put on specific clothes or outfits (especially “sexy” ones).
• Products and services marketed as “anti-ageing.”
• Complimenting the seniors by comparing them to the youths: Are you that old? I thought you were ten years younger?
• Trying to remind someone that they are “too old” to do something or expressing amazement that they “still” skydive or do other activities.
• Calling those minor mental confusions as “senior moment.”
• Making comments about a senior to a younger companion or the children of the elderly.
• Mistreating seniors by undertreating, overtreating, or overmedicating them. (Healthcare and social-service providers.) . Using patronizing language such as sweetie, darling, honey, etc.
• Thinking that minor swearing, talking about sex and many other things done by seniors are more funny and unexpected than youngsters. (Discriminating)
• Name-calling: Words like gramps, old fart, dirty old guy, old hag, biddy, and old fogey are all considered insults. . Lying about your age to avoid awkward impressions.
• Thinking that young people are computer experts and seniors are technologically illiterate.
• Talking about the “Silver Tsunami theory.” This theory wrongfully implies that seniors are responsible for the country’s economic problems.
“OK Boomer” is a viral Internet phrase used to call out or dismiss out of touch or chase-minded opinions associated with older people more generally. Many Internet fights are about whether the term is offensive or not. But whenever we talk about workplaces, it is considered an insult. If a manager said OK Boomer to an older worker’s presentation at a meeting, that would make the manager seem biased. Even if that manager tolerated a joke made by someone else, it would suggest the boss was in on it.
While “OK boomer” is a mild insult, whether it’s ageist or not depends on the situation. If someone uses this phrase one time only and to joke around, they’re not necessarily trying to discriminate against your age. However, if someone tries to shut down an argument by bringing up your age, it’s 100% ageism.
Other ageist phrases can include: “You don’t look {insert age}.” “If you have trouble using this technology…” “You have a smartphone?!” “Seasoned” “You’re still working?” “Past your prime” “You still have time.” “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.”
Boomer itself isn’t a slur or an insult. It stands for Baby Boomer, a generation of older people. However, the phrase “okay boomer” can be disrespectful and dismissive. It’s a quick, passive-aggressive, and snarky way to shut down an argument without actually making an argument. Many people today – not just millennials – like to do this. “OK Boomer” is most commonly used after an older person has just made an ignorant and prejudicial remark about younger people. Some people believe it is more annoying than offensive and somehow patronizing. A similar language to this might be when people say “okay grandpa” or “pops.”