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Reflections of A Generation (pt. 1): A Mirror of Social Unrest In Iran: Influenced by Baby Boomers?

Sunday, July 5th, 2009

Iranian Echo Boomers: Mirrors of Baby Boomer Reformers

Iranian Echo Boomers: Mirrors of Baby Boomer Reformers 
                             By Boomeryearbook.com 

 

Recent news headlines are awash with the political events that are taking place in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Perhaps at a glance, one might wonder why so much attention is being paid to the social unrest of a nation that is so distant to our own. A closer examination, however, reveals our fascination with witnessing social reformation. US Baby boomers especially, are keen to see the dynamics of change manifest in an environment much like the one that sparked their own counter-culture movement. Indeed, one could easily argue that the great experiment of the boomers has had a direct influence on the calls for social reformation that are now being heard in Iran. For certain, the issues that Iranian society is now struggling with (and the resulting unrest) mirror’s the boomers own fight against a prevailing social structure.

In fact, a closer look at the current social structure of Iranian society is not so different than the conservative landscape that shaped America in the 1950’s. America, prior to our own social reformation; was one of defined gender roles, a Judeo-Christian based morality standard, and a general resistance to any change that would disrupt the status quo. Iranian society could certainly be described in similar terms. Iranian society has definite ideas about the roles of men and women, it features an Islamic (which is to say religious) code of morality, and the government (including older generations) is resistant to any change to the system, especially by the present (which is to say younger) generation of citizens.

And it is this current generation of Iranian citizens that are becoming more restless with the current social structure and vocal in their dissatisfaction. This generation is young and very much in tune with the social dynamics both at home and abroad. Consider the fact that the median age of the 70 million people in Iran is 26 years of age. Further, an estimated ¼ of the population is under the age of 15. This younger generation of Iranians is better educated than their parents, and in this age of technology, they are very much aware of the more liberal (some would say progressive) social structures that make up many western nations.

Baby boomers are very familiar with this situation. They themselves stood at a similar crossroads. As America transitioned from the 1950’s to the 1960’s, there were many social issues that began to ferment unrest. Racial and gender inequality, participation in foreign wars, a negative perception of government policies, to name a few issues, resulted in baby boomers resorting to action. First there were the grass root information campaigns and voices being heard. This soon transformed into protests and political activism on a wide front.

By the 1970’s the counter-culture was in full swing. For baby boomers, it meant a continual drive to influence and drive the direction of society. This meant, on the one hand, to have a consistent and continual voice in the dynamics that formed the social structure. It also meant that their ideas had to have a platform, which turned out to be television, radio, movies, comics and other mediums. What we are seeing in Iran is a generation of Iranian activists who are taking a cue from their American counterparts, as well as their own parents who led the Islamic Revolution of 1979. Having the required education and communication resources has allowed for their own grassroots campaign to spread the idea of social change. Their voices have been heard. Again, using American baby boomers as a model, it seems that the second phase of reformation has begun – protests and political activism!

Psychological Articles as Solutions to Types of Discrimination

Psychological Articles as Solutions to Types of Discrimination

This Psychological Article on Reflections of A Generation (pt. 1): A Mirror of Social Unrest In Iran Influenced by Baby Boomers? is part of Boomer Yearbook’s continuing series of psychological articles on World Religions, politics and understanding as a solution to types of discrimination. We believe knowledge is power. We’d love to hear what you think.

Boomer Yearbook is a Social Network and Psychological Articles for Baby Boomers, Echo Boomers and Booming Seniors. Connect with old and new friends, or expand your mind and ward off senior moments and elderly problems with dream analysis and online optical illusions and brain games provided by clinical psychologist Dr. Karen Turner. Join other Baby Boomers to stay informed, receive weekly Newsfeeds, and let your opinions be heard. Baby boomers changed the world. We’re not done yet!

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Are Baby Boomers a Narcissistic Generation? The Boomers Magic Mirror

Tuesday, June 30th, 2009
Baby Boomers Narcissistic Magic Mirrors

Baby Boomers Narcissistic Magic Mirrors

Psychological Articles by Boomeryearbook.com

Baby boomers were born in the aftermath of the Second World War. Parents of older, strong>baby boomers were survivors of a conflict worse than anything the World had seen before. Men serving in the armed forces came home after a long and harsh exposure to violence and horror and immediately set about having as good a life as they could afford and paying some attention to the family life they had dreamed of for so long.

Family life included producing ‘baby boomers’ and taking steps to ensure that Junior would never have to suffer the horrors of war. Parents strove to provide a comfortable home filled with every affordable luxury. As a result, baby boomers were raised in a charmed environment to a certain extent, in sharp contrast to the hardships their parents had to tolerate.

When parents invest a great deal of time convincing their children that they are the most important creatures in the World, eventually the children start to believe it and this is the seed inadvertently sown by parents of narcissistic children. Such children grow up in an atmosphere of over-indulgence, are given the best that their parents can afford and in general might be over weaned in terms of being materially spoiled. Baby boomers fall into the category of being spoiled as a generation of kids that grew up in secure surroundings, being raised by parents who were determined to give their offspring all the best things in life that the war precluded in recent years.

As baby boomers developed, childhood spoiling overlapped into teenage indulgence and eventually the baby boomer executive emerged as an exacting and demanding employer, accustomed to getting what he wanted, when he wanted it. Narcissism, in the case of baby boomers, is inflicted rather than inherent, by over enthusiastic parents with a steely determination to see their children succeed and seize every possible chance of being high achievers.

Well, why not? Surely, it is human nature to want the best from life? Certainly it is, but boomers, through being raised by parents hungry to see them succeed at all cost in some way lost a gentility of spirit present in the previous generation and in the one that followed.

Baby boomers reach fifty and immediately remind everyone they are elderly and require help and they manage to get in one way or another, sometimes at the expense of a less capable, albeit younger, family member.

Elderly boomers will usually follow the course that benefits them the most; the line of action that affords them an advantage over a competitor or even over other family members; the most profitable option for them; the selfish route that might be the most inconvenient for someone else but which gives boomer what he or she wants. They cannot help it: they were raised with magic mirrors.

The Psychological Article on Are Baby Boomers a Narcissistic Generation? is part of Boomer Yearbook’s continuing series of baby boomers psychological coaching tips and how to alleviate elderly problems. We believe knowledge is power. We’d love to hear what you think.
Boomer Yearbook is a Social Network and Psychological Articles for Baby Boomers. Connect with old and new friends, or expand your mind and ward off senior moments and elderly problems with dream analysis and online optical illusions and brain games provided by clinical psychologist Dr. Karen Turner. Join other Baby Boomers to stay informed, receive weekly Newsfeeds, and let your opinions be heard. Baby boomers changed the world. We’re not done yet!
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Generational Woes: Baby Boomers and the Loss of Traditional Values (pt. 5)

Sunday, June 28th, 2009
Elderly Problems: Baby Boomers Sinking Values

Elderly Problems: Baby Boomers Sinking Values



Elderly Problems by Boomeryearbook.com

Baby boomers have set the standard. In an unprecedented feat of social transformation, baby boomers remolded a culture. They did this without a military coup or untold acts of violence (or at least not much, in relative terms). Social change, therefore, is a possibility given the drive and determination to do so. And yet; as baby boomers prepare to hand off the torch of responsibility to the next generation of Americans, there is much work to accomplish.

Baby boomer have left in their wake a society that is vastly different from the one in which they themselves were raised. The loss of traditional values, especially the destruction of the traditional family structure, has been devastating. The question that lies at the feet of the next generation of echo boomers and their children is what to do next?

In order for social change to take place, there needs to be awareness that there is a problem. Baby boomers, for their part, are a perfect example of this. Baby boomers, during their heyday, recognized the social injustices that troubled this nation and took action. It is only now that baby boomers are realizing the effects that their movement has wrought on a nation. Nevertheless, a recognition that a problem exists is the first step.

In this, it is important that baby boomers take a bit of responsibility for the results of their actions and step up to the plate to facilitate resolution, once again through change. This is important as a result of the attitude of self-indulgence that is prevalent in today’s culture. In other words, the current generation of Americans is so narcissistically self-absorbed, that larger social concerns go unheeded. As such, it is incumbent for someone – in this case, baby boomers – to begin a national campaign of social awareness education.

For real change to take place, this campaign has to be a grass roots endeavor. Most echo boomers are moving into the prime of their lives, taking their parents place in the work force and continuing to promote the social direction their parents initiated. As such, it is the children of echo boomers that have to be made aware of the need for change and the remedies that will bring about resolution to many of today’s problems. There has to be an impetus toward the need for reestablishing effective and traditional family structures as the primary vehicle of social reclamation. What better voice to initiate this campaign than the originators of generational social reform – the baby boomers themselves?

Baby boomers are in a unique position. Baby boomers, in ever increasing numbers, are realizing that in spite of their best intentions America is suffering. They see what American society has become in comparison to what American society was like in the period before the ‘great experiment’ manifested. Baby boomers can see what was good and what wasn’t; what should have been let go and what should have been maintained. It is within this spirit of experience and understanding that baby boomers can once again make a difference.

Elderly Problems: Are Echo Boomers Adapting Baby Boomer Values?

Elderly Problems: Are Echo Boomers Adapting Baby Boomer Values?

Through the voice of experience, aging baby boomers can impart the wisdom that can only be born through the trial and error of living. This wisdom can be the nectar for the younger generations that are waiting in the wings and hunger for social nourishment. The solutions to the ills that plaque society is deeply rooted and will take a generation to fully manifest. If we have any hope, baby boomers most take action – as they are the only viable and remaining voice that understands and can relate to then and now.

The Psychological Article on
Generational Woes: Baby Boomers and the Loss of Traditional Values (pt. 5) is part of Boomer Yearbook’s continuing series of articles to alleviate elderly problems. We believe knowledge is power. We’d love to hear what you think.

Boomer Yearbook is a Social Network and Psychological Articles for Baby Boomers. Connect with old and new friends, or expand your mind and ward off senior moments and elderly problems with dream analysis and online optical illusions and brain games provided by clinical psychologist Dr. Karen Turner. Join other Baby Boomers to stay informed, receive weekly Newsfeeds, and let your opinions be heard. Baby boomers changed the world. We’re not done yet!

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Generational Woes: Baby Boomers and the Loss of Traditional Values (pt. 4)

Saturday, June 27th, 2009
Elderly Problems: Baby Boomers Sinking Values

Elderly Problems: Baby Boomers Sinking Values

Elderly Problems by Boomeryearbook.com

Baby boomers, known as a force of social change now face an even more daunting prospect than the social injustices they confronted 40 years ago. Coming into the twilight of their own lives, they can now view their legacy with perspective. What they see is a world that is drastically different from the one in which they themselves grew up in. Whereas their futures, built on a foundation of the traditional family and the values that they imparted, were bright and hopeful; subsequent generations face a more uncertain and dire future.

The loss of the traditional family structure has left the American social landscape in shambles. Echo boomers (and soon their children) have carried on the torch that was passed on by their baby boomer parents to the nth degree. Fueled by advances in technology and higher degrees of hedonism, our families are growing further apart and any sense of cultural values are being replaced by advertisement jingles.

Indeed, everyone wants to “be like Mike,” but very few people have any idea of how to systematically achieve this. Instead of embracing ideas of hard work and sacrifice, baby boomers have instilled in their children the concept of instant gratification. Is there any surprise? Baby boomers have taken the parent equation out of the developmental loop. With the demise of the traditional family structure, one parent is not saddled with the almost impossible task of doing the job of two parents.

The task has placed a tremendous burden on single mothers who are, more often than not, the parent that is asked to be mother, father, and financial provider – not uncommonly to multiple children. In these circumstances, survival is of paramount concern and the passing on of time honored values – God, country and duty – are only afterthoughts and stuff that takes place on black and white sitcoms like the “Andy Griffin Show”.

Elderly Problems: Baby Boomers Loss of Traditional Family

Elderly Problems: Baby Boomers Loss of Traditional Family

The absence of fathers within the family structure has been simply devastating to the American society. The statistics literally scream in pain as children of non-traditional families are becoming a lost generation. Children from non-traditional homes are more likely to engage in greater sexual activity at increasingly younger ages. Children from non-traditional homes face increased risk of drug and alcohol abuse. The suicide rate among children from non-traditional homes is above 60%. Baby boomers are now realizing that the society they have created is destroying future generations.

The grand social experiment, while combating social injustices that needed to be challenged, has nevertheless failed. The lack of a definitive moral standard has left a society adrift and subject to its own individual whims and desires. The results have been predictable. The only course of action is one that baby boomers are well familiar with; an understanding that change is needed and a determination to take action. The baby boomers have shown us that social change is possible. But the needed change will not be a quick or easy. Much in the same way that baby boomers transformed the landscape of their parents; it will take a generation to change the current one. But boomers beware; as a failure to do so, may well result in a failure of the fabric of American society!

The Psychological Article on Generational Woes: Baby Boomers and the Loss of Traditional Values (pt. 4)
is part of Boomer Yearbook’s continuing series of articles to alleviate elderly problems. We believe knowledge is power. We’d love to hear what you think.

Boomer Yearbook is a Social Network and Psychological Articles for Baby Boomers. Connect with old and new friends, or expand your mind and ward off senior moments and elderly problems with dream analysis and online optical illusions and brain games provided by clinical psychologist Dr. Karen Turner. Join other Baby Boomers to stay informed, receive weekly Newsfeeds, and let your opinions be heard. Baby boomers changed the world. We’re not done yet!

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Baby Boomers and the Loss of Traditional Values (pt. 2)

Saturday, June 27th, 2009
Elderly Problems: Baby Boomers Loss of Values

Elderly Problems: Baby Boomers Loss of Values

Elderly Problems by Boomeryearbook.com

The End of American Values and Way of Life

The American way of life as it has been known for centuries is in jeopardy. As a result of the actions of baby boomers and the continuation of the ideas that they have espoused in echo boomers (the children of baby boomers), American traditional values are in danger of becoming an historical afterthought. With the need for definitive social change, baby boomers took the helm of transformation; resulting in reform. But their actions also have had unexpected consequences that are only now being realized. The erosion of traditional values; specifically the demise of the traditional family structure, signals the end of the continuation of the American idea and way of life.

The traditional family structure – the so-called nuclear family – has been an American staple for generations. The nuclear family consists of a mother, father and children. The number of children is insignificant, as the number could be one or ten, or any number in between. The main requirement is that the family unit be able to sustain itself. This has been the traditional structure that constituted American households since the formation of the nation itself. While the roles of the various members have shifted over time, generally as a result of economic pressures, the fundamental structure remained consistent until contemporary times.

In the generations prior to that of the baby boomers, America was primarily an agrarian society. As such, it was common for every member to be involved in providing for the family. Fathers, mothers, and children all contributed to some degree in the maintenance of the family. One could argue that it was an economic and survival imperative for the family unit to be structured and function in this manner. It is instructive to note that whether this argument is accurate or not, the results were successful as America developed into a progressive society.

The industrial age began to change the economic dynamics as the nation shifted away for an agrarian society. With industry and better wages, there was another shift in the gender roles within the family structure. Mothers/wives, no longer needed to provide their labor for the maintenance of the family, and therefore shifted to a domestic role. The Father/husband became the primary provider for the family. The father/husband went to work, the mother/wife stayed home to care for the children. This was the life that was introduced to baby boomers. This is the life that would pass on the values and norms of the previous generations to the baby boomer generation.

Baby Boomer Children

Baby Boomer Children

Baby boomers grew up in this environment and found it wanting. Indeed, they would come to believe that many of the social injustices that the nation was facing were a direct result of this perceived constraining mindset. Women were saddled, they believed, to a situation that allowed for the continuation of male dominance and a minimization of a woman’s ability. Baby boomers, as time progressed, would actively set out to completely redefine family and its role within society. They were very successful.

A quick look at the empirical data is both insightful and alarming. In 1950, baby boomers were born into very stable homes. At this time, only about 6% of children lived in homes without a father. Baby boomers thus had the benefit of both parents, and subsequently well rounded upbringings. By 2004, the number of children in fatherless homes had mushroomed into as high as 35%! Over one third of today’s Americans are born into single parent homes. These are the children of baby boomers and their children’s children.

The situation for baby boomers and echo boomers is reaching critical proportions. The data is alarming concerning the affects of children being raised outside of a family structure. It is ironic that baby boomers have subjected their children to a lower social standard than that which they themselves had experienced. While boomers and their children have done remarkably well financially, educationally and medically – this house of cards was built on a foundation unable to sustain continued progress.

The psychological Article on Baby Boomers and the Loss of Traditional Values (pt. 2):The End of The American Way of Life?
is part of Boomer Yearbook’s continuing series of articles to alleviate elderly problems. We believe knowledge is power. We’d love to hear what you think.

Boomer Yearbook is Psychological Articles for Baby Boomers. Connect with old and new friends, or expand your mind and ward off senior moments and elderly problems with dream analysis and online optical illusions and brain games provided by clinical psychologist Dr. Karen Turner. Join other Baby Boomers to stay informed, receive weekly Newsfeeds, and let your opinions be heard. Baby boomers changed the world. We’re not done yet!

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Impact of Baby Boomers in US History

Friday, May 1st, 2009
Baby Boomers Impact and Elderly Problems

Baby Boomers Impact and Elderly Problems

Psychological Article:Baby Boomers Impact and Elderly Problems

By Boomeryearbook.com

If you are a Baby Boomer then you can take credit for impacting society and rejecting what was formerly considered the traditional accepted mores. It is well documented in psychological articles that baby boomers gave birth to new values and enjoy the status of being the healthiest and the wealthiest of any US generation. But like other generations baby boomers have also incurred some elderly problems. The first and the foremost of which is aging. Remember, however, that we are not alone!, and a large majority of boomers born in 1950s are experiencing similar elderly problems. But since boomers think of ourselves as special and different from our predecessors, it is therefore difficult for some of us to admit to elderly problems or to even believe we are ready to retire.

The baby boomer children of the 1960s liked rock music, alternative hair and clothing styles, and changing the social scene of their parents by enjoying ‘free love’, championing equality, and experimenting with drug use. However, this was not without consequences as some excessive drug use has lead to current boomer elderly problems; as aging biological systems are not equipped to handle years of misuse. Additionally, on the plus side, the seventies were witness to many boomer activists who supported the Civil Rights and the Rights of Women movements, resulting in thousands of women and minorities securing job opportunities, proudly culminating in the first US black President, qualifying for the right to higher education, accepting homosexuality and other alternative lifestyles that have changed the political and social fabric by introducing new social and political values of equality, rights and opportunities.

In the 1980s the boomers continued their wave of social change as more boomers than any other prior group divorced, and reintroduced themselves into the dating scene; with some suffering deleterious elderly problems such as abusing alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, and other drugs. In the Nineties the Baby Boomers moved towards their 40s and midlife crises along with the advent of what became pervasive elderly problems derived from unprotected sexual activities and drug abuse such as Herpes, HIV/AIDS, and Hepatitis C.

May of the activities and philosophies the baby boomers harbingered in, have continued to play prominent present day society roles, with some injurious effects. For instance, psychological articles have informed us that the current US divorce rate has caused numerous psychological and physiological elderly problems such as loneliness and feelings of isolation and disconnect, with boomers attempting to seek solace in unprotected sexual and drug activities resulting in a high rise of STDs and drug and alcohol related elderly problems. But on the brighter side, boomers continue to influence politics and society as Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and many congressional and judiciary members are proud baby boomers.

The baby boomers represent 26.75% of the US population. They have greatly impacted the government’s social security programs as they play a dominant role in US economics and have high expectations for government services. According to psychological articles, 55% of baby boomers voted in the 2000 elections, and 59% of baby boomers voted in the current Presidential election. Additionally, boomers have contributed to increasing the literacy rate in the US as baby boomers enjoy the highest education levels of any US demographic group. Although fast approaching the elderly problem of retirement, boomers are still the privileged class of the US society and will be influential in shaping America’s future.

Boomer Yearbook is Informational Psychological Articles for Baby Boomers. Connect with old and new friends, or expand your mind and ward off senior moments and elderly problems with dream analysis and online optical illusions and brain games provided by clinical psychologist Dr. Karen Turner. Join other Baby Boomers to stay informed, receive weekly Newsfeeds, and let your opinions be heard. Baby boomers changed the world. We’re not done yet!

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The Sport of Ballroom Dancing

Sunday, March 15th, 2009
Psychological Articles: The Sport of Ballroom Dance

Psychological Articles: The Sport of Ballroom Dance

By Boomeryearbook.com

The baby boomer generation has been looked up to as a generation that never shied away from trying out new things and finding new ways to have fun. Ballroom dancing is no exception. It has been universally recognized that ballroom dancing is great recreation, fantastic exercise, and a terrific way to develop self-confidence and hone social skills. Keeping all this in mind Boomer Yearbook did some research for the benefit of the baby boomer generation and put together this psychological article on the history of ballroom dancing as well as some of the most common rules. We hope you Enjoy!

Ballroom dancing was first introduced in the 18th century and its origins can be traced back to England where ballroom dancing was performed by the elite and upper strata of society, in social gatherings and at balls. During the late 19th century it became trendy among the working and middle class who held ballroom dances in public dance halls. Like other dance forms, while ballroom dances have recognizable steps, they are also vehicles of expressing feelings, thoughts and emotions.

History of Ballroom Dancing

Historically ballroom dancing referred to any form of formal social dancing performed as a way of recreation. However in modern times, as the baby boomer generation may well be aware, ballroom dancing, with the advent of dance as a sport, has become narrower in scope.

Interestingly for the baby boomer generation, psychological articles have revealed that the oldest forms of ballroom dancing probably had their roots in camp fire rituals, spiritual ceremonies and fertility rites.

The modern closed couple position of the Viennese Waltz was first invented in the 1700s, (and spread to England in the 1800’s), at the same time as which the Polka and Tango gained popularity and evolved in other parts of Europe.

Ballroom dancing hit America in the early 1900s, incorporating variations such as the Foxtrot, Swing and Quickstep, shortly followed by Cuban, Caribbean and Latin influences of Rumba, Samba, Mambo and Cha Cha Cha.

Modern Ballroom Dancing

Today ballroom dancing has transformed from a social activity to a competitive sport. The modern ballroom dances have been categorized and standardized. This dance style now follows internationally agreed upon terms, techniques, rhythms and tempos.

There are five different steps which are danced in ballroom dancing events. They are diverse in origin but are all danced by a couple i.e. a man and a woman in a ‘Closed Hold.’

The Ballroom Dance Hold

Conventionally the man takes the lead and the lady follows. There are 5 contact points which are to be maintained throughout the dance.
• The man’s left hand hold lady’s right hand.
• The lady’s left hand rests on top of the right arm of the male partner with Tango being an exception and the lady’s left hand resting behind the male partner’s arm.
• The man’s right hand is positioned on the lady’s left shoulder.
• The lady’s left elbow is placed at the man’s right elbow.
• The chest of both partners touch on the right side.

1. Modern Waltz:
A sedate version of Viennese Waltz that has characteristic turns and dips. It’s danced with couples face to face, with arms on each other’s shoulders and hips.

2. Tango:
It’s a light spirited Flamenco originally from Spain. Its emphasis is on leg movements, proud torso and sharp leg movements that have a staccato action.

3. Viennese Waltz:
A dance performed to music with 3 beats to the bar. Today it’s danced to a tempo of 180 beats per minute.

4. Slow Foxtrot:
A more romantic Foxtrot performed to a 4/4 rhythm of about 120 beats/minute tempo.

Dances have been an integral part of human civilization; and the baby boomer generation have reveled in Ballroom Dancing as a form of recreation and socialization. Psychological articles tell us that Ballroom dancing develops self esteem and an overall positive attitude. Ballroom dancing can teach us the important trick of keeping our feet grounded while holding our heads high. And isn’t that what we baby boomers do best?

Boomer Yearbook is a Psychological Articles-Informational Social Network Website for Baby Boomers and the baby boomer generation! Create Boomer Yearbook Profile, Connect with old and new Baby Boomers, or expand your mind and ward off senior moments and elderly problems with dream analysis and online optical illusions and brain games provided by clinical psychologist Dr. Karen Turner. Join this website for baby boomers to stay informed with our weekly Newsfeeds on baby boomer relevant topics and to let your opinions be heard.

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Barbie Turning Fifty

Saturday, February 28th, 2009
Barbie: bimbo or savvy baby boomer woman?

Barbie: bimbo or savvy baby boomer woman?

An Update to “Playtime in Yesteryear”: By Boomer Yearbook.com

http://boomeryearbook.com/blog/2008/11/08/playtime-in-yesteryear

It appears that Barbie is indeed part of the not so small group of baby boomer women. In fact, many baby boomer women have probably owned a few Barbie dolls and in the unlikely event that they haven’t, they have probably given some to children or grandchildren. We are all familiar with that beautiful stereotypical doll that sure looks good for turning fifty! Yes, Barbie was born and created in 1959 by a woman named Ruth Handler for the Mattel Company that was owned by her husband and his partner. Barbie was named after their daughter and when the Ken doll was introduced he was named after their son.

It must have been amazing to them to see their children’s names and their creations become such a world wide phenomenon. The iconic doll became the baby boomers women symbol of female beauty. However, Barbie also began to be widely criticized for her stereotypical, unrealistic portrayal of the perfect woman. Yet, the unending criticism did not interfere with Barbie’s popularity. She also became a symbol of what a woman could accomplish; from the acquisition of enormous wealth complete with fancy cars and clothes among other accessories, to fabulous careers that had been traditionally male oriented. As the 60’s saying goes, “She’s come a long way, baby.”

Barbie Doll Collection

Barbie Doll Collection

However, Barbie didn’t always have access to such esteemed careers. In her early teen and adult days, the Barbie doll was regarded as a stereotypical dumb blonde; a materialistic, shallow airhead worrying only about her looks and social status. Therefore, in an attempt to counteract the gender stereotyping that many believed the Barbie doll presented, Mattel Inc. created different careers for Barbie as well as International Barbie dolls designed to represent varying cultures.

Ah, it is hard to believe that the pop culture star has made it to the golden age of fifty. And what a tumultuous journey it has been! It seems that even when one stereotype about Barbie is addressed, another one emerges. Nonetheless, whatever new criticisms or stereotypes about Barbie appear in the future, we at Boomer Yearbook think Barbie is sure to remain a static symbol of Western culture for baby boomer women, echo boomer women, generation x, y and beyond.

What do you think? Will Barbie continue to evolve or will she forever be saddled with her bimbo image?

Boomer Yearbook is a Psychological-Informational Social Network Website for Baby Boomers, Echo Boomers and Booming Seniors. Connect with old and new friends, or expand your mind and ward off senior moments and elderly problems with dream analysis and online optical illusions and brain games provided by clinical psychologist Dr. Karen Turner. Join now to discover the many ways this website for boomers can contribute to optimal physical and emotional wellness.

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Ellen DeGeneres Makes Boomer Women Proud

Tuesday, February 24th, 2009

current.com

(graphic from www.current.com)

By Boomeryearbook.com

Good news for the boomer women; Ellen DeGeneres is the new face of Cover Girl. Rumors had started to circle way before the successful comedian announced officially in September on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” that she’d be “the new face of Cover Girl.” She’s already started shooting commercials for them and says that the experience is a “very cool thing.”

The talented Ellen has won eleven Emmy awards throughout her career as a stand up comedian and talk show host. She hosted the 79th Academy Awards and of course, who can forget her as Dory in the cute Disney/Pixar film Finding Nemo. She has indeed come a long way from winning the title of the funniest person in America in an HBO sponsored event in 1980. Her success story gives courage to the boomer women reminding us of who we are and how far we have come.

She started working with Cover Girl Cosmetics in September and her advertisements started running in January of this year. The reason why Ellen working in a beauty campaign is surprising is not because she’s not good looking, it’s just that she has very unconventional looks; and is a proud openly gay, untraditional woman. Ellen has been dating girlfriend Portia De Rossi since 2004. The couple married in 2008 when the ban on same-sex marriage in California was overturned. The woman is anything but conformist. She doesn’t dress girly and she doesn’t wear a lot of girly makeup. But her advertisements for Cover Girl are amazing and Ellen looks glam. Way to go for the boomer women!

Cover Girl has signed a contract with Ellen under which this proud boomer women will be marketing the new Cover Girl Simply Ageless foundation. The timing for the deal couldn’t be better because Ellen, while far from old, turned 51 in January of this year as did many of the boomer women. She represents the segment of women in society who want to still have fun and look good even though their age in numbers might try to indicate otherwise. Cover Girl’s pick for their new line shows the changing attitude of our country. Who ever thought that a woman who is a comedian by profession and isn’t sexually straight would ever be chosen to represent makeup for a fashionable hot brand? Call me narrow-minded, but we sure never thought something like this would happen. It has though, and we’re all the better for it. Ellen has immense appeal, as shown by the smashing success she’s had with the American Express ads and the wide viewing of her show.

Ellen will, of course, be showing clips from her photo shoots with Cover Girl on her show. The move to put someone as diverse as Ellen on the face of a campaign is a clever stroke of genius on the part of Cover Girl. It’ll send the competition scrambling to find something or someone different. But there’s no one like Ellen and she is as original as it gets. Ellen has that open “every person” easiness to her while still being different from the crowd. Cover Girl will also be able to capture the market for the boomer women thanks to this smart move.

We at Boomer Yearbook say kudos to Cover Girl for choosing Ellen.

Boomer Yearbook, a free social networking site for the baby boomers or those concerned with the elderly problems of the baby boomers generation, is based on the vision that the baby boomers want to connect and reconnect, but in our own way and on our own terms.

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Comic Books Of The Baby Boomers Generation

Monday, February 16th, 2009
The Baby Boomers Generation Comic Books

The Baby Boomers Generation Comic Books

By Boomeryearbook.com

During the 1960’s I, along with most of my friends, became a huge fan of comic books. My love-affair began when one day while watching “Superman” my favorite TV show, I saw a tag saying that “Superman” was actually a comic character. I just had to have one.
Watching echo boomers and grandkids pouring over the pages of a comic book brought the memories of my childhood flooding back to me. I thought it would be nice to share my recollections with fellow boomers and see what you have to say about the comic-books experience.
Some great comics from the early times of the baby boomers are summarized here:

1. Blue Beetle Bo. 5: This was created when the co-creator of Spiderman and Doctor Strange, Steve Ditko, left Marvel comics and went to join Charlton Comics for lack of a better option. The baby boomers will remember this comic as it came as a welcome addition to the comic-world at a time when there was a serious dearth of quality comic books, mediocrity being the best they could offer.

2. Star spangled War Stories No. 141: Commercial comic books saw its first most popular series with the beginning of Enemy Ace written by Robert Kanigher with illustrations by Joe Kubert. It was set in World War 1 and revolved around a German fighter who suffered from a conscience.

3. The Spectre No. 1: This was the only issue in the short life-span of 1o issues that was illustrated by the genius Murphy Anderson himself. It was produced by DC comics.

4. Showcase 85: The baby boomers will remember this comic as a masterpiece in drawing. Illustrations were given by Joe Kubert who was also the writer of the comic series. Firehair is a child who is raised by Native Americans and while growing up finds himself spurned by other White settlers.

5. Metamorpho No. 1: Ramona Fradon showed her extraordinary artistic talent in this series of comic books. She only worked on 4 issues as she took leave to raise her daughter and the later issues could at best be described as mediocre imitations of her style. The baby boomers women can proudly say she still is one of the best comic book and comic strip artist’s around with works published in Superman, Fantastic Four and Batman, just to name a few.

6. Captain Action No. 4: It only lasted 4 issues but what incredible issues these were. These were based on a toy figure as well as another one of the most popular of DC comics, Hot Wheels.

7. Lois Lane No. 71: In January of 1968, came Lois Lane trying every moronic way to trap Superman into wedlock. From jealousy to trying on potions to turn her into superwoman or a monster; Lois tries them all. The baby boomers loved them for the sheer silliness and the light-hearted story line created by Kurt Shaffenberger.

8. Superman Annual No. 1: Now this one must have been one hell of a seller with a crisp, modern front page design. I doubt any of us was able to resist it. It has stories about the secret of Lex Luthor’s baldness and tales about the Kryptonite visions of the giant ape.

9. Showcase No. 56 and 75: Showcase is the best example of comics in the 1960s. These include The Creeper and The Hawk and the Dove in addition to others.

10. Bat Lash NO. 4: Written by Sergio Aragones and co-written by Denny O’Neill this issue is brilliant. Humor galore, the characters seem true and are drawn with perfection by Nick Cardy.

11. Peanuts: Now there was no bashing for the bad guys here, no super-human feats. The characters Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, were all so easy to relate to and so much fun. We baby boomers really took a liking to these comics.

12. Sad Sack: This was another of those comics spun around the world wars, in this case the second one. Created by George Baker, it was a sort of a personal insight into the war as he was a former army sergeant. He also illustrated almost all the comics in the series.

13. Batman and Robin: Now this one everyone liked. So no surprise for seeing it here on my list. Their secret identities secretly made me wish for one too. The colorful variety of villains added to the fun. And from the popularity of today’s movies, we all recognize the timelessness of the Joker, Penguin, Cat Woman, and Poison Ivy.

14. Classics: These were novels that were adapted as comics. You could find anything from Oliver Twist and Lord Jim to The Time Machine and Frankenstein. I can safely say that my interest in reading classic literature came from these comics.

15. And of course Archie, Reggie, Betty and Veronica. These comic books were so beloved and special they deserve their own article.

Did you have a favorite comic book? Come join memories with others at Boomeryearbook.

www.boomeryearbook.com is a free social networking site that pledges to help the baby boomers stay in touch with each other. Whether you are a member of the boomer generation or simply interested in learning more about the wonderful generation of baby boomers you will find something of interest here. By creating an account you can have instant access to the ever-growing list of fellow boomers, learn what everyone is doing, share common concerns and interests and catch up on old times. You can read psychological articles and explanations to online optical illusions and brain games (provided by clinical psychologist Dr. Karen Turner) that have been shown to help ward off common elderly problems like depression and dementia. Come be a part of this amazing network of people and show the world the boomers are here to stay. The baby boomers generation changed the world. We’re not done yet!

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