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Like every other classification system, this one can fall down when one gets to the edges. A generation sort of implies shared experiences and a sort of shared outlook. The Boomers were generally the children of those who fought in WWII and often grew up during the Depression. They sort of grew up with television, the space race, and VietNam.

A boy who graduated from high shool in 1944 might enlist and end up in the Pacific War until discharge in maybe October 1945. He'e come home, get his orientation back, and then get marrried to a girl typically 1-2 years younger than him. Their first child might be born in the second half of 1946. If the girl was 19 at marriage, she might have children until she was 36 or 1963. Quite a spread. But one can legitimitely question whether a child born to a returning GI/wife has the same outlook as one born in later marriage after that couple may have achieved some economic stability. The "year" criteria is there, but others are missing. Birth order makes a difference, familiy economics and stability, and other things as well.

As it turns out, Mrs. Chevydog is only about a year different in age from me. But I was a first child to a very young and rather poor couple. They wanted economic security badly, and after they got it they settled down quickly. She was the last child to an older couple (both around 40) who by occupation (career Army) moved frequently. Either of her parents could chronologically have been my grandparents. So in spite of our being about the same age and having experienced many of the same things, we have some very different reactions to them.

As I understand Prez-to-be Obama's background, he doesn't qualify as a Boomer. But, in spite of all external influences, people usually turn out to be what they are. Classification by age group is nice and convenient; but it can't always explain everything.

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