SNOW AND THE GENERATIONS

Having been blasted by endless snow storms (like most of the East Coast) for days on end, I’ve been busy watching out the window, checking out the action in the neighborhood. Here’s what caught my attention: there are various approaches to the business of snow removal. As a keen observer of human nature (that’s what we coaches do) I have seen some clearly discernable differences among the generations as they deal with several feet of the white stuff showing up on their doorsteps. Here’s what I’ve seen so far:

The Silents (b. 1925-1945) – Their answer to the snow is mano a mano. It’s important to get a path cleared. It’s personal. It’s about overpowering Mother Nature’s hold on us. They are out there with shovels and every other form of hand tool, making their mark on the white landscape. Like so many other tough conflicts over the decades, they will respond, put a shoulder to the wheel, and persevere until the job is done. We can only hope the cardiac specialists are available if needed.

Baby Boomers (b.1946-1964) – They may get all blissy about the beauty of the snowfall and the individualism of each snowflake. But when it comes to snow removal, the Boomers are all about the big power that comes from BIG toys. They bring the giant tractors – Kubotas and Deeres – to the party, and these bad boys are packing industrial snow blowers that easily put your front yard snow over the house and into your backyard. Comfortably sitting inside heated cabs with stereo and drink holders, the Boomer crowd takes snow manipulation from passion to obsession.

Gen-X (b.1965-1980) – Whatever. Snow is a total pain, best handled by someone else. The complaints are many, the action is slight. I have seen representatives of this group slog through the snow in expensive sneakers – and also arrive coatless in single digit weather. They have more trouble seeing the snowfall as anything but an inconvenience in their very busy lives, and wish that someone else would just make it stop. Now.

The Millennials (b.1981 to 2000) — Similarly inconvenienced by the snow as the Gen-Xers, this generation, the first to come of age in the new millennium, looks for ways to plan themselves out of future snow events. They are watching the weather reports on every available technology in order to get advanced notice of the next big storm. They want to be ready, to have a plan to minimize the disruption in their lives. I have seen them shoveling some, with iPods as accessories. They speak longingly about acquiring a walk-behind snow blower for use on the sidewalks in front of their new townhomes.

So that’s what is happening in my part of the world, on another cold and snowy night. Does the action in your neighborhood measure up? Same or different? Would love to hear your thoughts….

 

 

 

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