The Greater Generation

The GI generation has been called “the Greatest.” The baby boomers? Not so great. Boomers have gotten a bad rap, and here’s why.

Great. Greater. Greatest.

When it comes to describing generations, we Americans, thanks to Tom Brokaw, use the adjective “Greatest” to describe the men and women who braved the Depression and fought in and prevailed during World War II.

Think G.I. Joe and Rosie the Riveter.

They were a tough and courageous generation, so there’s nothing wrong with such a superlative. But what are we to make of their children, the baby boomers?

Would you say “Great” … or even “Good”? Unfortunately, the adjectives that people usually use to describe boomers are self-absorbed, childish, selfish, noisy and materialistic.

They are great, some will concede — great at pitching a fit when the Starbucks barista botches their Chai tea lattes.

But these insults are way off base according to Leonard Steinhorn, author of The Greater Generation: In Defense of the Baby Boom Legacy. Boomers deserve credit for a whole range of positive changes in American life. Environmental protection. Improved race relations. Women’s...