Gen Z Asks What Boomers Did Right, Gets Heartfelt Answers

When one Gen Zer asked Reddit to share the best things Baby Boomers have contributed to the world, they weren't expecting the outpouring of genuine gratitude that followed. But thousands of people jumped in to celebrate a generation that usually gets roasted online.

The responses painted a picture far different from the usual generational finger-pointing. People highlighted Boomers as the driving force behind some of America's most important social movements.

"Let's not forget how vocal and persistent the civil rights activists of the Baby Boomer generation were," one commenter wrote. They protested the Vietnam War, fought against racism and women's oppression, and used music and art to amplify their message without flinching.

Those protests and activism led to concrete changes that younger generations now benefit from. Women gained the right to get loans without a husband's signature, workplace protections became standard, and environmental laws started protecting the planet.

The appreciation went beyond politics and into everyday life. Multiple people gushed about Boomer recipes, especially the pastries, cookies, and cakes that no one seems to replicate quite the same way today.

Music came up again and again as a massive Boomer contribution. Elton John, David Bowie, Stevie Wonder, Jimmy Page, Patti Smith, Neil Young, and Elvis Costello all came from this generation.

Some commenters shared personal experiences that challenged the negative stereotypes. "I find that most Boomers, especially those born in the 50s, seem to understand the world is hard for youth and are sympathetic," one person wrote, noting they're often the most generous tippers and gift-givers.

Others appreciated the practical changes Boomers normalized. One person thanked them for making casual dress acceptable in public, ending the era when suits and skirts were mandatory just to run errands.

The Ripple Effect

The conversation revealed something important: generational blame games miss the bigger picture. Boomers lived through their own challenges and made the best decisions they could with the information and resources available.

Their contributions to civil rights, LGBTQ equality, environmental protection, and workplace safety created the foundation for continued progress. The workplace protections they fought for benefit every worker today, and the emission standards they pushed for help clean the air everyone breathes.

One commenter summed it up perfectly: "If they screwed some things up, they also got a hell of a lot of things right." They suggested younger generations focus less on blame and more on what they're doing differently to make the world better for their own grandchildren.

The music, the activism, the work ethic, and yes, even those incredible recipes represent real contributions worth acknowledging. When this Gen Zer asked for the good, they got an overwhelming reminder that every generation deserves recognition for what they've built.

Sometimes the most radical thing you can do is give credit where it's due.