Have you noticed how basic manners seem to have vanished into thin air? You’re not imagining it—many of the courtesies Boomers grew up with are now considered old-fashioned or ignored altogether. From saying “please” and “thank you” to holding doors open, here are 11 once-common acts of respect that today’s younger generations just don’t seem to get.
Baby Boomers grew up immersed in traditions shaped by the cultural and technological landscape of their time, many of which seem unfamiliar to younger generations. These customs reflect values around family, communication, and community that were once commonplace but now challenge modern habits. By exploring these differences, we can better appreciate the context behind Boomer traditions and foster greater respect and connection across generations.
On November 22, 1963, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas—a moment that changed the course of American history. His death shocked the world, ended a youthful era of optimism, and set in motion a series of political and cultural shifts that defined the rest of the 1960s. Historians still debate how different the decade might have been had Kennedy lived. His survival could have altered U.S. policy in Vietnam, reshaped the civil rights movement, and changed America’s relationship with both the Cold War and its own identity.
For years, the Shroud of Turin has sparked fierce debate between believers who see it as Christ’s burial cloth and skeptics who point to 1988 radiocarbon tests dating it to medieval times. That seemed to settle things—until now.
Recent research suggests those famous tests might have gotten it wrong, and the reasons why are forcing scientists to rethink what they thought they knew about this ancient relic.
You won’t believe some of the wild things people thought were totally normal in the 1970s. From bizarre fashion choices to mind-boggling trends, life back then was a whole different world. If you think today’s habits are strange, wait until you see what passed for “cool” a few decades ago.
Get ready to shake your head and say, “What were they thinking?!”
On July 2, 1937, Amelia Earhart and her navigator Fred Noonan vanished over the Pacific during their attempt to circumnavigate the globe. Decades later, the mystery persists. In 2025, researchers from Purdue University and the Archaeological Legacy Institute (ALI) announced they will launch an expedition to the remote island of Nikumaroro to examine a “visual anomaly” in lagoon imagery. Dubbed the Taraia Object, this object appears in satellite, aerial, drone, and video footage, and may represent parts of Earhart’s missing Lockheed Electra. The expedition aims to verify whether the Taraia Object truly is wreckage—and perhaps bring closure to one of history’s most enduring aviation mysteries.
You grew up in a decade that changed everything. The 1960s weren’t just about peace signs and rock ‘n’ roll; they were a whirlwind of world-changing events that shaped who you are today.
From historic moments that left you speechless to cultural shifts that rocked your everyday life, these 15 events defined your generation.
Let’s take a walk down memory lane and revisit the milestones that every Boomer lived through.
In the turbulent decades following the American Civil War, the United States teetered on the edge of renewed conflict. The nation’s wounds were deep, the Reconstruction era was fraught with racial and political tension, and rival factions in both North and South seemed ready to reignite hostilities. But historians point to one pivotal decision that helped avert a second Civil War—the Compromise of 1877. This informal political deal, struck after the disputed presidential election of 1876, ended Reconstruction and resolved the electoral crisis peacefully, changing the trajectory of American history.
When disco exploded in the 1970s, it wasn’t just a musical movement—it was a social and cultural revolution. Originating in Black, Latin, and LGBTQ+ dance clubs, disco celebrated rhythm, freedom, and inclusivity. By 1978, it dominated radio, film, and fashion, producing global icons like Donna Summer, the Bee Gees, and Gloria Gaynor. But after the “Disco Demolition Night” backlash of 1979, the genre’s mainstream popularity collapsed almost overnight. Still, disco’s influence never truly disappeared. If disco had never died, the global music scene—and much of modern pop culture—might look very different today.
The American Dream is crumbling, and anyone paying attention can see it. What was once a beacon of hope and opportunity has become a cruel joke for the youngest generations. For Gen Z and Gen Alpha, the promise of a good life through hard work feels like a relic from a different era. It’s like being handed a beautifully wrapped gift box only to open it and find nothing but broken pieces.
The cost of living is skyrocketing, jobs that pay a decent wage are few and far between, and the dream of owning a home is laughable at best. What used to be the standard blueprint for success now feels more like a myth than a reality. It’s not just that the American Dream is out of reach—it’s that it was never built for them to reach in the first place.
Imagine a world where the Nazis had won World War II and Adolf Hitler’s vision extended beyond Europe. While Hitler never produced a concrete plan to invade or govern the United States, declassified intelligence and Nazi-era documents reveal he and his generals imagined a future where America would be weakened, isolated, or eventually brought under German influence. From long-range bombers to propaganda efforts, the regime saw the U.S. as both a rival and a long-term obstacle. Historians now piece together what Hitler’s chilling ambitions for America might have looked like had Germany triumphed.
Being “woke” didn’t start with hashtags or protests—it’s been around for centuries, stirring revolutions and upsetting the powerful. Before the word became a battlefield, these historical figures were living examples of what it truly means to fight for equality and challenge injustice.
They took risks, broke barriers, and proved that standing up for what’s right is timeless. Their courage wasn’t always celebrated—some were hated, silenced, or even killed for their beliefs. But their impact changed the world and set the stage for the battles we fight today.
Here are 10 legendary figures who were “woke” before it was controversial.
Boomers have seen it all, done it all, and have the best stories to prove it. While younger generations might assume they’ve “aged out” of being interesting, they’re often the most captivating people in the room. Decades of life experience, cultural revolutions, and personal growth have shaped them into a treasure trove of wisdom, humor, and authenticity.
If you’ve ever dismissed a Boomer as irrelevant, it’s time to reconsider—here are some reasons they’re secretly fascinating.
You think life is tough now? Boomers grew up in a world that would feel almost unrecognizable today, full of challenges that tested their grit and resilience. It wasn’t just a different time—it was a completely different reality. The struggles they endured shaped their values, work ethic, and determination in ways Millennials might find hard to comprehend.
Get ready to uncover 13 eye-opening ways Boomers had it tougher than anyone could imagine—you might just walk away with a whole new perspective.