40 Things All Baby Boomers Think Are Cool

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Dear Baby Boomers of America, brace yourselves. We're about to serve a piping hot cup of reality. Some things you held dear and thought were the epitome of cool, well, they were never really that cool. It's time to swallow that bitter pill, accept these choices as blunders, and move forward with a renewed sense of decision-making.

We understand this might come as a shock. You may want to clutch your pearls, wave your walking cane at us in disbelief, or even write a strongly worded letter to the editor (yes, we know how much you love those). And that's perfectly fine. Feel free to disagree, even if you are wrong about it! 

Today, we're going to sidestep the big, contentious issues (we'll save that for another fun-filled day) and instead shine a spotlight on the more mundane missteps. The kind of everyday errors that have been handed down like a dubious family heirloom to every generation after the baby boomers.

So, buckle up, children of the boom. It's time for a trip down memory lane to scrutinize exactly where your generation zigged when it should've zagged and why those choices don't quite hold up in today's world.

Let's get started! 

So, you're thinking diamonds are a girl's best friend, huh? Well, let me tell you, they're more like that high-maintenance friend who always demands the best. Diamonds are just shiny rocks that can cost an arm and a leg, not to mention they're often dug up in less-than-ideal conditions. And by 'less-than-ideal', I mean some poor folks in Africa are breaking their backs so you can have a sparkly rock on your finger.

Diamonds

Now, you might be considering cubic zirconia as a more wallet-friendly alternative. They're cheaper, available in a rainbow of colors, and no one has to suffer for them. But don't think you're off the hook just yet! Cubic zirconia may not have the same 'prestige' as diamonds, and you might get a few raised eyebrows or gentle ribbings from diamond purists. But hey, at least your conscience (and your bank account) will be clear!

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Did you know...

  • When Rihanna debuted her famous red locks in 2010 (around the same time she was featured on Eminem's "Love the Way You Lie"), she started a red-hair trend. Over the next twelve months, she changed her hairstyle 13 times—more than once a month! But that came at a pricey cost. Sources say the annual price tag came out to $1,168,000 on just her hair.
  • Björk created a media sensation when she wore her iconic white swan dress to the 2001 Oscars. At the time, many derided it as hideous and a publicity stunt, but it has since gone down as one of the most memorable dresses of all time—even if it isn't exactly beloved. She says David Bowie was the inspiration behind the dress.
  • In February 2020, Jeff Bezos bought the most expensive property in California: a $165 million mansion. It was designed for Jack Warner (the former president of Warner Bros. entertainment company). It took a decade to construct (spanning the 1930s and 40s). It comes complete with 9 acres of Beverly Hills land, a main house, a guest house, a tennis court, a golf course, and terraces.
  • In the summer of 2007, Joh Hamm became a household name when Mad Men premiered to critical acclaim and strong ratings. Just over a year and a half later, Ellie Kemper stole America's hearts (and Dwight's and Andy's) when she became the new receptionist on The Office. Before they were famous, Hamm was Kemper's high school drama teacher!
  • While attending the Grammys in February 2000, Jennifer Lopez stepped out in a green Versace dress that instantly became a phenomenon. The barely-there ensemble had a dramatically low cut that came below JLo’s belly button. It became such a talking point that it was Google’s most popular search query up to that point, and it spurred the company to include images into search results. It became the motivation for Google Images.