Okay, okay. So last week's piece got us a lot of flak for railing on the Baby Boomers and some of their breaches in trust. But it's a new week and, well let's face it, we really aren't here to demonize an entire generation. As Gen Xers we do have an interest, though, in exploring the challenges that we (and Gens Y and Z, for that matter) will inherit as the Baby Boomers begin to exit the workforce. And we're looking forward to further exploring how generations can come together to find solutions to today's concerns.
But first: time to make amends. Here are some of the most well known, most successful, most predictable Baby Boomers (and one movie) to ever grace a five-point list. We're kicking this homage off with the big-name icons, and we'll give you our take on why they're trusted by younger generations. Then you can take over in the comments section with your shout-outs to all the other, more surprising Boomers you grew up respecting--and whose honest and energetic ways you value.
1. Oprah Winfrey, the American Woman
That's right, we're starting with Oprah.
Forbes named Winfrey the most powerful celebrity four times, most recently in 2010, and she is the only person to be included in all eight issues of the Time 100, a yearly catalogue of the world's 100 most influential people. A star-powered symbol of the Baby Boomer's early efforts to advance civil rights and gender equity, Oprah is...Oh let's just say it: she's the contemporary personification of the American Dream.
Born to unwed teenage parents in rural Mississippi, she was so poor throughout her childhood that she occasionally substituted potato sacks for clothing. Through the years, her daytime show has continuallyevolved, first highlighting the dysfunctional and then shifting to a more solution-focused approach with an emphasis on spirituality, uplifting stories and solving modern day issues. Oprah has reached millions of people through television, film, publications and more, and the billionaire has continually provided an honest glimpse of herself by publicly discussing her struggles with weight and romance. While Oprah's 24-year run as the queen of daytime talk will end this year (she decided to call it quitslate in 2009), we can't help admitting that we'll be following her next move.
2. Bruce Springsteen, the Lyricist; and Bono, the Activist
We grouped Springsteen and Bono together because, in different ways, they both illustrate the power of music. While Springsteen speaks through his art, Bono has transcended the concert hall, making his voice heard in the worlds of politics and social activism. Springsteen is gritty and real, capturing the common concerns of our everyday lives. Bono is electric and effervescent, proving that pop can have substance. From Live Aid to Band Aid, reflecting the anguish of contemporary catastrophe or speaking out against social ills, Springsteen and Bono have led the way in using their celebrity influence and talent to make a difference. Throughout their careers they have inspired creativity and awareness with innovation and passion, and for that we'll tune in.
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I agree with the list of the most successful Baby Boomers because it covered a wide array of different things people value. Oprah Winfrey truly is the epitome of the American Dream. She has done so many wonderful things and it is wonderful to see someone who grew up in a financially unstable environment rise above and make something of themselves. Oprah has inspired a countless number of people, and it is remarkable to see someone with so much power be motivated to help others.
ReplyDeleteI am a Bruce Springsteen fan and was happy to see he made the list. His music often contains political themes and his stance on them. It is a very creative way to speak out and I commend him on that.
I never was a huge Star Wars fan, but I’ll admit that I have been forced to watch the movies before. But, by the way you described the impact of the movies, it seems they made a lasting impact on our generation. It is impressive that all six of the movies are listed in the All-Time Worldwide Box Office top 70 and the values that Star Wars establishes are worth noting.
Steve Jobs and Bill Gates have transformed the daily life of the average American. Jobs just continues adding to the technological craze, and people are addicted to having the most technologically advanced anything. I commend Bill Gates on being philanthropic. It is very rare to find someone so wealthy not be selfish with the money they earn. Both of these men are very intelligent and revolutionized an entire generation.
Another person I would have added to this list would be Madonna. She is recognized as the world’s top-selling female recording artist of all time. She is a singer-songwriter, record produced, dancer, actress, film producer, film director, fashion designer, author, and entrepreneur. She is a very creative, innovative person who has influenced pop culture.
Interesting call on Madonna, and like you I think you could make a solid case for her inclusion on the list. Who else should be included on this list?
ReplyDeleteI love that Star Wars was on the list. It was a huge part of y childhood. I do not remember a single Christmas without getting a new Star Wars toy. It was an epic that had immense effects on the theater industry. I have to disagree, however, about it launching several careers. Harrison Ford is really the only actor to have a sustained, successful career after the saga. Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill struggled to find good work. Regardless, I agree that it was huge for the generation of baby boomers. What else can be said of Oprah? There is not much that she has yet to accomplish. She is a real titan of the industry. The same can be said for both Steve Jobs and Bill Gates. Without these two gentleman, the world of technology would not be near what it is now. Each provides a great deal to society whether it be jobs, support of philanthropic causes, or an increase in technological knowledge. I am not very aware of the exploits of Bono or Springsteen. So I would need to do more research on the two before giving a judgement about their place on the list. However, I am sure that it is warranted. The only people I can think of that might have a case to be on the list would be Donald Trump, Elton John and an event like Woodstock.
ReplyDeleteDon't forget - Star Wars arguably launched George Lucas' career, and he was one of the most successful directors in the 70s & 80s. I'm curious, though, why Donald Trump, and why Elton John? Do you think their accomplishments stack up to those already on the list?
ReplyDeleteI agree with the tribute list which includes a lot of famous and influencial people. I am not a huge fan of Star Wars but I can agree that for the baby boomers it had a lot of significance. My favorite item on the list in Oprah Winfrey, I completely agree that she has accomplished so much when she came from nothing. She has evolved her show and her career to become extremely successful and charitable. However, I was reading the other responses and I can’t help but agree that Madonna should be on the list. She has accomplished so much and is an extremely well known artist around the world that is still very present in the media today. She has accomplished so much more than just music as someone had mentioned. She was controversial with her risky outfits and maneuvers and continues to be very present in the media today as she was in the past. Overall, she is an icon that deserves recognition on the list.
ReplyDeleteAll right - another vote for the Material Girl! This could be a good subject for a blog post!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the tribute people in this article from the baby boomer generation. The people chosen have achieved a large array of accolades and are arguably responsible for most of what we know as pop culture today. Perhaps my personal favorite would have to be Steve Jobs because of the innovations he has done with computers in a matter of two decades. He has changed the way I listen to music with his creation of the Apple iPod. I also believe that TV celebrities such as Jon Stewart and Oprah Winfrey, in particular, has touched the lives of many and should be publicly recognized for their accomplishments more often. Therefore, this article makes up for the previous one in realizing that perhaps some baby boomers actually left a positive mark on society that will carry on for generations to come.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the praise, and following along with our train of thought. Clearly we're not interested in criticizing an entire generation, as many of "our parents" have contributed positively throughout their lifetimes. I appreciate your personal connection with some of the folks we highlighted, and for recognizing the effort we're making to advance various sides to one story.
ReplyDeleteThere is no doubt that icons like the noted Oprah and Bruce Springsteen have been influential to many people arouond the world. For me, however, none of the examples listed have had a very large impact on my childhood or my perception of the world. For most of my childhood, I never had the patience to watch or understand what Oprah was speaking about (that is not to say that she was not an amazing T.V. personality). As far as Star Wars is concerned, I was three when I was exposed to it and became frustrated within minutes of attempting to read the oddly angled words at the begining. To add to my confusion, I thought Bill Gates was Ben Stein until I was about 12. To this day, Jon Stuart bores me and Bono annoys me with his sunglasses. Reading this article provoked me to dig deep and truly think about who from this generation had an impact on my life. Three people immediately came to mind. The first was Michael Jackson for no other reason than he made me dance more than any other artist I grew up with. I loved Michael Jackson so much that he even became one of my imaginary friends (I now recognize the comedy in this). The next two people are Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the creators of South Park. South Park, although crude and occasionally unbarably offensive is spectacularly clever. When I think of South Park, I think of a program that tells tales of common sense in a hillariously foul manner.
ReplyDeleteI agree that most of the people/things on this list deserve to be there. However, I can't help but agree with the comment above me that Michael Jackson surely deserved his place there. I did my Senior Project on him in high school and my research showed me that not only was he one of the most influential figures in pop music, but philanthropically and socially speaking as well. He was a strong advocate of civil rights, of freedom, and of equality. He also was one of the first prominent performers to publicly donate funds and encourage others to support the youth both domestically and internationally. In addition, of course, he was incredibly famous and entertaining...and thus, a definitive idol in the memories of my childhood.
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