Right now, the concept of weaponized incompetence is trending on social media platforms like TikTok. For those unfamiliar, weaponized incompetence refers to the act of performing a task so poorly or delaying it for so long that one becomes exempt from doing it altogether. As Shel Silverstein cleverly put it, “If you have to dry the dishes and you drop one on the floor, maybe they won’t make you dry the dishes anymore.”
When it comes to weaponized incompetence, Boomers are the champions. Picture an older gentleman squinting and saying, “Well, I don’t understand terms like ‘BIPOC.’ I’m just a simple country guy, and I’m too old to learn all these new expressions. Back in my day, we didn’t have that.” This feigned ignorance allows him to evade social responsibilities, claiming he’s too old to comprehend these changes. This, my friends, is a classic example of weaponized incompetence.
Older generations have been utilizing this tactic for years. They assert that they can’t unlearn their outdated views, effectively using their age as a shield against accountability. “Oh, just ignore Grandpa when he starts,” we whisper. “He’s from a different time; he can’t help it.” But he certainly can help it, unless he’s genuinely senile. He’s manipulating weaponized incompetence to say whatever he wants, and we let him get away with it. Yes, that beloved Grandpa you cherish becomes a lot less endearing when he voices racist opinions. Recognizing it as weaponized incompetence makes it easier to confront. He knows better.
Boomers and Their Technological Struggles
Let’s talk about technology. News flash: the gadgets and connections behind your TV will evolve. Coaxial cables will give way to HDMI, and you’ll need to learn how to set up new streaming devices. You can’t keep asking us to navigate your tech troubles because you’re unwilling to adapt.
Learn to program your remote. Learn to reset your WiFi. Learn to troubleshoot your phone. With resources like Google and YouTube, you can find answers to almost any question. My husband managed to install a new alternator on our vehicle, so if he can do that, you can certainly learn to reprogram your WiFi. You’re not too old; you’re just pretending to be incompetent because you think we’ll continue to step in for you.
Boomers and Social Media
Boomers often claim they can’t grasp new social media platforms. “What’s TikTok? What’s a tweet? I’m too old to figure that out,” they say. This abdication of responsibility for learning new skills allows them to avoid engaging with the modern world. It’s not that complicated, folks! If teenagers are using TikTok, then surely you can, too. There’s no magic involved. I’m in my forties, and I can navigate TikTok just fine—it doesn’t make me special; it simply means I’m not incompetent.
The Stagnant Narratives of the Past
Who famously walked uphill to school and persevered to achieve the American Dream™? Boomers did, and they expect everyone else to replicate their journey. They refuse to acknowledge that the landscape has changed. Ask them to consider a different perspective, and they often revert to outdated narratives or regurgitate news that absolves them from engaging in necessary societal change. Their weaponized incompetence allows them to sidestep accountability in discussions about social justice.
Parenting and Weaponized Incompetence
Chances are, your Boomer parents disagree with many of your parenting choices, hiding behind phrases like, “That’s not how we did it.” They often claim they’re too old to learn about new parenting techniques, using it as an excuse to avoid helping with tasks that require an understanding of modern methods. They may scoff at new parenting tools, saying they can’t learn how to use them. Not all grandparents do this, of course, but many Boomers have learned that weaponized incompetence is a powerful tool to maintain their status quo, which can be detrimental to anyone who isn’t an upper-class white male.
Let’s be clear: they can Zoom, learn the meaning of “BIPOC,” and even use it in a hashtag. Their weaponized incompetence needs to stop. If we can call out husbands for refusing to help with household chores under the guise of incompetence, we can certainly hold Boomers accountable for their unwillingness to learn new skills or acknowledge social progress. You can do it, Boomers. You’re still with us, so let’s get moving.
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Summary
The article critiques Boomers for their use of weaponized incompetence to evade social responsibilities, learn new technologies, and engage with modern parenting practices. It calls for accountability and encourages older generations to adapt to societal changes rather than hide behind outdated narratives.
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