Currently, the concept of weaponized incompetence is trending on social media platforms like TikTok. If you’re not familiar, weaponized incompetence refers to the act of performing a task so poorly or procrastinating for so long that others are forced to take it over. As Shel Silverstein illustrates, “If you have to dry the dishes and you drop one on the floor, maybe they won’t make you dry the dishes anymore.”
Baby Boomers are particularly adept at using this tactic. Picture an elderly man squinting and declaring, “I don’t understand all those new terms like ‘BIPOC.’ I’m just a simple country guy and too old to keep up with all that.” By feigning ignorance, he sidesteps social responsibility, claiming, “I’m just too old to learn.” This is a classic example of weaponized incompetence, and it’s a strategy that older generations have employed for ages.
Often, they assert, “I can’t change my views on racism; I’m just too old to adapt.” We tend to let them off the hook with excuses like, “Leave Grandpa alone; he’s from a different time.” But this reasoning allows them to continue harmful behaviors unchecked. Yes, we love our grandparents, but their outdated views become far less endearing when they express prejudiced opinions. Recognizing this as weaponized incompetence can empower us to challenge it. They know better—they just pretend they don’t.
Boomers and Technology: A Struggle
The reality is, technology evolves over time. Cable connections are replaced by HDMI, and new streaming services emerge. Boomers need to familiarize themselves with these changes rather than expecting others to do it for them. Learning to program a remote, reset Wi-Fi, or troubleshoot a smartphone is not impossible. Resources like Google are readily available, providing answers to nearly every question imaginable. If someone can learn to install a car part, they can surely figure out how to reconnect their Wi-Fi.
Boomers often claim, “I can’t grasp these new social networks,” when confronted with platforms like TikTok or Twitter. They dismiss these as too complex, further avoiding responsibility for understanding them. But it’s simply not true; many of us have learned to navigate these platforms. The excuse of being “too old” is just another guise for weaponized incompetence.
Stagnant Narratives
Who was it that walked miles uphill to school to achieve the American Dream? It was Boomers, who often fail to recognize the different societal context today. They dismiss current challenges while romanticizing their own experiences, saying, “Back in my day…” This refusal to engage with new perspectives is a form of weaponized incompetence that allows them to avoid discussions about necessary social changes.
Parenting and Weaponized Incompetence
Chances are, your parents disagree with your parenting choices and use phrases like, “That’s not how we did it.” They often hide behind claims of being too old to learn new methods, which allows them to avoid helping with things like homework or modern parenting techniques. Though not all grandparents fall into this trap, many have discovered that weaponized incompetence is a handy way to maintain the status quo that benefits them.
If they can learn to use video conferencing tools, they can certainly learn about social changes and tech advancements. The time has come for Boomers to stop hiding behind their excuses. They have the capability to adapt and grow—so let’s encourage them to do so.
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In summary, weaponized incompetence is a tactic employed primarily by Boomers to evade responsibility and maintain their outdated views. Whether it’s refusing to engage with technology or social issues, it’s time for the older generation to step up, learn, and adapt.