Embracing Generational Grace:

A Decolonized Perspective on Healing and Change

Introduction:

In doing this work with white people over the last several years one observation rings true; each person sees themselves as an individual who is good vs bad, each generation is new and better than the last, and each one will make a difference NOW. This approach is harmful in so many ways and embodies those 15 pillars of supremacy culture. Let’s delve into generational grace.

A Roadmap of Generational Oppression

In the heart-centered journey of trauma-informed decolonization education and counseling, we often explore the deep and enduring impacts of historical events on generational consciousness and behaviors. This exploration is crucial, as it helps us understand not just individual trauma but also collective and intergenerational trauma—trauma that is passed through generations epigenetically, often invisibly, influencing lives in profound ways.

The Impact of Historical Events on Generational Worldviews

Between 1928 and 1945, the world witnessed monumental events that shaped the destinies of generations. The Great Depression (1929-1939), for instance, instilled a deep sense of economic uncertainty and scarcity that influenced the Silent Generation's attitudes toward money, security, and stability. World War II (1939-1945), another defining period, left behind a legacy of loss, resilience, and a need for rebuilding, which deeply affected parenting styles, often leading to overprotectiveness or emotional unavailability as parents dealt with their own unprocessed traumas.

These events, and the societal responses to them, were encoded not just in the stories told by those who lived through them but also epigenetically. Recent studies in epigenetics suggest that traumatic experiences can alter the way our genes function, potentially passing on stress responses to subsequent generations. This means that the Silent Generation's experiences during economic collapses and global conflicts could influence how Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and even Generation Z and Generation Alpha perceive and interact with the world.

Let’s go through each generations global trauma. The more we realize our interconectdness the more with can offer grace to ourselves and others. When we recognize that our parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents were also navigating global systemic oppression without the benefits of support systems and technology that allow the globe to come together and discuss, we can begin to recognize how isolated and alone generations of people have been.

Silent Generations Global Events:

Keep in mind this is not an exhaustive list. I would also like to point out that if you are now called white, ask yourself who you were before you were white, and delve into what your people went through before coming to the West and being forced or choosing assimilation and the motivation behind it:

The period from 1928 to 1945 was marked by significant global turmoil, including widespread oppression and numerous devastating conflicts. Here is a list of key world events related to oppression during this time:

1. The Great Depression (1929-1939) - A worldwide economic depression that led to mass unemployment, severe poverty, and widespread social unrest. It significantly affected millions of lives globally, with oppressive economic conditions leading to increased social and political tension.

2. The Rise of Fascism in Europe - During the 1930s, fascist regimes took power in several European countries, most notably Germany under Adolf Hitler and Italy under Benito Mussolini. These governments promoted aggressive nationalism, suppressed opposition, and enacted discriminatory policies that oppressed various groups.

3. Nazi Persecution and the Holocaust (1933-1945) - Adolf Hitler's regime in Germany led to the systemic persecution and mass murder of six million Jews, alongside millions of others considered "undesirable," including Romani people, disabled individuals, Polish and Soviet civilians, communists, socialists, and homosexuals.

4. Japanese Imperialism in Asia (1931-1945) - Japan's expansionist policies led to the invasion of Manchuria in 1931 and later broader parts of China in 1937, resulting in the Second Sino-Japanese War. The occupation was marked by brutal treatment of civilians, including the Nanking Massacre in 1937.

5. Italian Invasion of Ethiopia (1935-1936) - Italy's fascist regime, under Mussolini, invaded Ethiopia, leading to widespread atrocities and the use of chemical weapons against the Ethiopian population.

6. Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) - This conflict was between the Republican forces (supporting a democratically elected government) and Nationalist forces led by General Francisco Franco. The war was marked by severe repression, massacres, and the use of terror against civilians by Franco's forces, who ultimately prevailed.

7. Stalin's Purges and the Great Terror in the Soviet Union (1936-1938) - Stalin's regime executed a series of campaigns to consolidate power and eliminate perceived enemies within the Communist Party and the broader Soviet society. Millions were executed or sent to the Gulag labor camps where they faced harsh conditions and death.

8. Forced Relocations and Genocides - This period saw numerous forced relocations and genocidal actions, including the forced displacement of Native populations in various countries, and the mass killings associated with Stalin's forced collectivization and the Holodomor famine in Ukraine (1932-1933).

9. During the period from 1928 to 1945, alongside the significant global events already mentioned, specific groups such as Black people, queer individuals, and disabled people faced unique and severe forms of oppression. Here’s an overview of the challenges these groups encountered during this era:

   Oppression of Black People

   1. Jim Crow Laws in the United States: Throughout the early to mid-20th century, Jim Crow laws enforced racial segregation in the Southern United States, institutionalizing a system of economic, educational, and social disadvantages for Black United States Americans.

   2. Lynching and Racial Violence: Black United States Americans were frequently the victims of lynching and other forms of racial violence, which were often carried out with impunity. The NAACP reports that the 1930s witnessed hundreds of lynchings.

   3. Economic Discrimination: The Great Depression hit Black United States Americans particularly hard, with significantly higher rates of unemployment and underemployment than white United States Americans. New Deal programs often either excluded or offered inferior assistance to Black workers, perpetuating economic disparities.

   4. Colonial Oppression in Africa: European colonial powers continued to oppress and exploit African populations through forced labor, heavy taxation, and suppression of resistance. The Italian invasion of Ethiopia and the ongoing colonial administration in places like French West Africa and British colonies are notable examples.

   Oppression of Queer People

   1. Criminalization of Homosexuality: Many countries, including the United States and parts of Europe, had laws that criminalized homosexual acts, leading to arrests, convictions, and prison sentences for those caught in same-sex relationships.

   2. Nazi Persecution: Under Nazi Germany, homosexuals (particularly gay men) were targeted for persecution, resulting in imprisonment, forced labor, and death. They were deemed "socially unfit" and thousands were sent to concentration camps where they wore pink triangles to signify their supposed crime.

   3. Social Stigmatization and Secrecy: Queer individuals faced widespread social stigma and discrimination, forcing many to live secretive lives. This era lacked any substantial advocacy or support groups, leaving queer individuals particularly vulnerable to abuse and exploitation.

   Oppression of Disabled People

   1. Eugenics Movements: Influenced by eugenic ideologies, many countries, including the United States, Canada, and several European nations, enacted policies aimed at reducing the populations of those deemed genetically 'unfit.' These policies often included forced sterilizations.

   2. Nazi T-4 Program: Perhaps the most extreme was the Nazi eugenics policies, where disabled individuals were systematically murdered under the T-4 Euthanasia Program, which aimed to eliminate "life unworthy of life."

   3. Institutionalization and Abuse: Disabled individuals were often forcibly placed in institutions where they faced poor living conditions, abuse, and neglect. These institutions prioritized isolation from society over genuine support or integration.

These forms of oppression were deeply ingrained in the fabric of societies worldwide and have left long-lasting impacts that are still being addressed today.

Recognizing these historical injustices is crucial in understanding the ongoing struggles against discrimination and in shaping a more inclusive future. It also highlights the resilience of these communities and their ongoing fight for rights and recognition.

Reflective Question to Offer Grace to This Generation:

Considering the unique challenges and societal pressures faced by the Silent Generation, particularly during periods of economic hardship and global conflict, how can I extend grace and understanding to their responses and coping mechanisms, which were shaped under such circumstances?

Journal Prompt on Generational Understanding:

Reflect on the stories and experiences shared by members of the Silent Generation in your family or community. How did their experiences during significant historical events like the Great Depression or World War II shape their values and beliefs? In your journal, explore how understanding their context helps you extend grace to their ways of dealing with the world.

Remember extending grace is not about saying it is ok, or acceptable it is about forging a deeper understanding and bearing witness to others’ lived truths in order to have a deeper understanding to better dismantle oppressive systems. You can not bootstrap your healing, you must sit with it all.

The Baby Boomers 1946-1964

“Ok BOOMER”… Whilst I absolutely love this term I can also hold the truth that it is completely dismissive to their experience and in the same way it is born out of them not seeing the younger generation it is a reflection of the epigenetic trauma that does not allow for them to be seen either.

The period from 1946 to 1964, encompassing the early years of the Baby Boomer generation, was marked by significant geopolitical shifts, social changes, and instances of oppression. Here is a list of key world events (again not an exhaustive one) related to oppression during this time:

1. Partition of India (1947) - The partition of British India into two independent dominion states, India and Pakistan, led to massive communal violence, displacement, and oppression of religious minorities on both sides of the new border. This event resulted in one of the largest mass migrations in human history, with estimates of up to 2 million dead and 14 million displaced.

2. Apartheid in South Africa (1948-1994) - The formal policy of apartheid began in 1948 with the National Party's electoral victory in South Africa. It was a system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination against the non-white population of South Africa, severely restricting the civil rights of the majority of the population.

3. Chinese Civil War and the Rise of Communist China (1949) - The culmination of the Chinese Civil War led to the establishment of the People's Republic of China under Mao Zedong and the fleeing of the nationalist Kuomintang to Taiwan. The new communist regime soon began a series of oppressive campaigns that affected millions, including land reforms and later the Cultural Revolution.

4. Korean War (1950-1953) - This conflict began as a civil war between North and South Korea but soon involved the United States and China. It resulted in millions of military and civilian casualties and led to severe hardships for the populations of both Koreas, which were compounded by repressive government actions in both the North and the South.

5. McCarthyism and the Red Scare in the United States (Early 1950s) - A period of intense fear of communism, characterized by Senator Joseph McCarthy’s efforts to root out supposed communists in the U.S. government and other sectors. This led to widespread accusations, trials, and blacklisting of individuals, significantly oppressing political freedom and freedom of expression.

6. Hungarian Revolution (1956) - A nationwide revolt against the Marxist-Leninist government of the Hungarian People's Republic and its Soviet-imposed policies. The uprising was brutally suppressed by the Soviet Army, resulting in thousands of deaths and massive repression against the insurgents and their sympathizers.

7. Algerian War of Independence (1954-1962) - A brutal conflict between France and the Algerian National Liberation Front, which sought independence for Algeria. The war was marked by atrocities and human rights abuses on both sides, including the use of torture and mass killings.

8. Civil Rights Movement in the United States (1954-1968) - This was a decades-long struggle by African Americans to end legalized racial discrimination, disenfranchisement, and racial segregation in the United States. The movement encompassed various forms of protest and civil disobedience against oppressive laws and practices.

9. Vietnam War (1955-1975) - Although it escalated in later years, the early stages of the Vietnam War saw the South Vietnamese government, supported by the United States, engaging in oppressive practices against its own people, particularly against those suspected of supporting the Communist North.

10. Cuban Revolution (1953-1959) - Led by Fidel Castro and Che Guevara, the revolution overthrew the authoritarian government of President Batista. However, the subsequent establishment of a communist state under Castro also led to significant political repression through censorship, imprisonment, and the suppression of dissent.

Now let’s take another lens:

General Oppression:

1. Cold War Tensions (1947-1991): This era was defined by geopolitical tension between the Soviet Union and its satellites and the Western bloc led by the United States. The pervasive atmosphere of suspicion and fear often led to the suppression of dissent and the curtailing of freedoms in both blocs.

2. Decolonization Movements: Many countries in Asia and Africa were fighting for and gaining independence from colonial powers, which often involved violent conflicts, suppression, and struggles against entrenched colonial systems.

Oppression of Black People:

1. Jim Crow Laws: In the United States, despite the progress of the civil rights movement, Black people were still subject to systemic racial segregation under Jim Crow laws, particularly in the South, until the mid-1960s.

2. Civil Rights Movement (1954-1968): This was a pivotal period of direct action, including boycotts, marches, and legal challenges aimed at ending racial segregation and discrimination in the United States. Black individuals faced violent repression from both official and unofficial sources during the struggle for equality.

Oppression of Queer People:

1. Anti-Homosexuality Laws: In many parts of the world, including the United States and the United Kingdom, homosexuality was still criminalized, leading to arrests, imprisonment, and forced psychiatric treatments.

2. Lavender Scare: During the 1950s, in conjunction with the Red Scare, the Lavender Scare was a moral panic about homosexual people in the United States government and their dismissal from government service.

Oppression of Women:

1. Limited Rights and Representation: Despite progress in some areas, women were still fighting for basic rights like equal pay and anti-discrimination laws. In many parts of the world, women had limited access to education and were legally controlled by their husbands or fathers.

2. Cultural and Domestic Limitations: Social norms continued to enforce the idea of women primarily as homemakers and caregivers, limiting their opportunities for professional and personal growth.

Oppression of Men:

1. Conscription and Military Drafts: During this period, particularly during the Korean War (1950-1953) and the Vietnam War (beginning in 1955), men were often subject to compulsory military service, which had significant personal and psychological impacts.

Oppression of Disabled People:

1. Institutionalization: The norm for dealing with disabilities was still largely centered around institutionalization. People with disabilities were often segregated from society and faced abuse and neglect in these institutions.

2. Lack of Accessibility and Rights: There were few laws or provisions for accessibility or protection against discrimination for disabled individuals during this period, which resulted in significant barriers to education, employment, and public life.

These events reflect a complex matrix of global conflicts and systemic oppressions that profoundly impacted the lives and rights of millions of people worldwide during the early Baby Boomer era.

When you can recognize that the above people were your parents and grandparents (I am GenZ so that timeline is true for me) and see how global and systemic oppression is impacting your life and causing harm and trauma maybe you can recognize their truth as well. Again, grace is not about saying it is ok, it is about understanding the why behind the motivation to “go along to get along”

What discrimination would they have faced? Did your father even want to be married and have children, was he truly queer? A deeper realization is that the leverage of having white skin meant they and you (if you are white reading this) could fully assimilate to the global “norms” of the time in order to survive which inevitably left those that could not and can not assimilate which are as follows:

The unambiguously Black person in ANY of these categories because the first harmful marginalization under a supremacist society is always race. The visibly disabled person, the unapologetically queer person, etc etc etc.

Understanding positionality in a supremacist society will deepen your activism and advocacy.

Reflective Question for Generational Grace:

Considering the profound societal shifts and global events that shaped the Baby Boomer generation, how can I apply understanding and grace toward their responses to these challenges, and how might this perspective shift improve our intergenerational dialogue and healing?

Journal Prompt on Generational Understanding:

Reflect on the historical events during the Baby Boomer era such as the Civil Rights Movement, the Cold War, or the Decolonization Movements. Consider how these events might have shaped the beliefs and behaviors of the Baby Boomer generation in your family or community. Write about how this understanding could help bridge generational gaps and facilitate deeper conversations within your own relationships.

These tools invite you to consider the context in which the Baby Boomer generation made their life choices and to foster empathy towards the survival strategies they developed in response to their world. What are some of YOUR survival tactics? How do they differ and how do they look similar?

Gen X 1965-1980

Gen X is Filled with Trauma and Proud of it, this is my generation and I can confidently say we raised ourselves. Parents were so despondent and trauma-filled that the only thing that littered the streets more than us was the missing kids on milk cartons. We are the culmination of at least the 2 generations prior and still have a little bit of belief in a system that “works” and in our truth we tried to raise the next generation with those systemic beliefs as well.

The events from 1965 to 1980 were instrumental in shaping societal structures, influencing global politics, and driving social justice movements that sought to address various forms of oppression and inequality. These events profoundly impacted Generation X, molding their perceptions, values, and the world they would inherit.

Global and Political Conflicts

1. Vietnam War (1955-1975): Continuing from the previous decade, the Vietnam War had profound social and political impacts, particularly in the United States, including anti-war protests, draft resistance, and significant civilian and military casualties.

2. Cultural Revolution in China (1966-1976): Initiated by Mao Zedong, this sociopolitical movement aimed to preserve Chinese Communism by purging remnants of capitalist and traditional elements from Chinese society. It led to a decade of severe social, economic, and political upheaval, characterized by widespread persecution, abuse, and deaths of millions of people.

3. Military Dictatorships in Latin America: During the 1970s, many Latin American countries, including Argentina, Chile, and Brazil, were ruled by repressive military dictatorships. These regimes were notorious for human rights abuses, including torture, forced disappearances, and the suppression of political opposition.

4. Cambodian Genocide (1975-1979): The Khmer Rouge, led by Pol Pot, took control of Cambodia in 1975 and initiated a brutal campaign to reform society that led to the deaths of an estimated 1.7 to 2 million people from starvation, forced labor, and execution.

Oppression of Specific Groups

1. Civil Rights Movement in the United States: While major legislative milestones were achieved in the earlier 1960s, the struggle continued into the later decades. Issues like systemic racism, police brutality, and economic disparities remained at the forefront.

2. Apartheid in South Africa: Apartheid policies continued to enforce severe racial segregation and oppression of the black majority. The 1976 Soweto uprising, where black students protested against the compulsory use of Afrikaans in schools, highlighted the brutal enforcement of apartheid laws.

3. Stonewall Riots (1969): These riots marked a turning point in the LGBTQ+ rights movement in the United States. Queer individuals fought back against a police raid at the Stonewall Inn in New York City, serving as a catalyst for the modern gay rights movement.

4. Feminist Movement: The second wave of feminism gained strength during this period, addressing issues such as equality in the workplace, reproductive rights, and the fight against sexual harassment and violence. Despite progress, women continued to face significant systemic barriers.

5. Disability Rights Movement: This movement began to gain traction towards the end of this period, advocating for equal opportunities and accessibility for disabled individuals. The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which included Section 504, marked an early victory by prohibiting discrimination based on disability in programs receiving federal financial assistance.

Economic and Social Shifts

1. Oil Crisis (1973 and 1979): These two major oil crises resulted from geopolitical turmoil in the Middle East and led to widespread economic disruption globally, contributing to economic stagflation in many countries.

2. Decolonization Movements: Many African, Asian, and Caribbean nations continued to gain independence from European colonial powers during this period, often after prolonged struggles and conflicts.

The events from 1965 to 1980 were instrumental in shaping societal structures, influencing global politics, and driving social justice movements that sought to address various forms of oppression and inequality. These events profoundly impacted Generation X, molding their perceptions, values, and the world they would inherit.

General Oppression:

1. Vietnam War (1955-1975): Continued involvement in the Vietnam War led to widespread protests and social unrest, particularly in the United States. The war's effects, including the draft, disproportionately affected poorer Americans and minorities.

2. Military Dictatorships in Latin America: Countries like Chile, Argentina, and Brazil saw brutal military coups which led to widespread human rights abuses, including torture, disappearances, and censorship.

3. Apartheid Continuation in South Africa: The oppressive regime of apartheid continued to enforce strict racial segregation and disenfranchisement of the Black majority, along with brutal crackdowns on anti-apartheid activists.

Oppression of Black People:

1. Continuation of the Civil Rights Movement (1965-1968): Although major legislative victories were achieved in the earlier '60s, the fight for racial equality continued. This period saw the rise of more militant movements like the Black Panther Party in response to systemic racism and police brutality.

2. Urban Riots: Cities like Detroit and Newark experienced violent riots, largely driven by ongoing racial tensions and economic disparities affecting African American communities.

3. Economic Disparities: Despite civil rights gains, economic inequality persisted with high rates of unemployment and poverty in Black communities, exacerbated by deindustrialization and urban decay.

Oppression of Queer People:

1. Stonewall Riots (1969): This pivotal event marked a significant turning point in the queer liberation movement, highlighting the community's fight against police brutality and societal discrimination.

2. Anti-Homosexuality Laws: Despite the progress towards civil rights, many states and countries continued to criminalize homosexual acts, leading to arrests and discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals.

Oppression of Women:

1. Feminist Movement: The second wave of feminism gained momentum, addressing issues like workplace discrimination, reproductive rights, and legal inequalities. Despite these efforts, women still faced significant societal and institutional barriers.

2. Sexual Harassment and Discrimination: Although the feminist movement was raising awareness, sexual harassment and discrimination remained pervasive in workplaces and society.

Oppression of Men:

1. Draft and Military Expectations: The continuation of the draft for the Vietnam War heavily affected young men, particularly those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, placing them in harm's way and impacting their future prospects.

Oppression of Disabled People:

1. Lack of Rights and Accessibility: Before the disability rights movement gained momentum in the late 1970s, disabled individuals faced significant societal exclusion and lack of accessibility. Public spaces, education, and employment sectors were not required to accommodate disabilities.

2. Institutionalization: Many disabled individuals were still routinely placed in institutions where they often faced neglect and abuse.

The Iran-Contra affair and the Crime Bill are significant historical events that occurred after the period between 1965-1980. These events unfolded in the late 1980s and early 1990s, respectively, and had profound impacts on political, social, and legal landscapes, influencing public opinion and policy. These also were ones that I was old enough to witness the impact of our interconnectedness globally (think global act local)

The Reagan administration (similar to our current administration) was deeply involved in the destabilization of Nicaragua and participated in arms and drug dealing. As with all things those most impacted were Black and poor people. Drugs filled the streets to fund a war we should not have been involved in which led to the Crime Bill and militarization of the police. When you see where we are now with police stations having tanks and full-on military weapons you can see how each act has led us to this point of living in an occupied country. However, the belief that one generation does not impact the other leaves too many entry points to destabilize decolonization movements. It is imperative that we look at each generation and how we perpetuate the harm as well as cultivate the healing. We are not a new generation each time, we are a continuation of those before us.

These events, though outside the originally specified timeline, marked critical points for a generation that was coming up to the voting age along with U.S. political and social history and had lasting effects on domestic and international policies. They influenced the way governmental accountability and criminal justice reforms are viewed, sparking debates that continue to resonate in contemporary discussions.

Iran-Contra Affair (Mid-1980s)

1. Background: The Iran-Contra affair was a political scandal in the United States during the second term of the Reagan Administration. Senior administration officials secretly facilitated the sale of arms to Iran, which was then under an arms embargo.

2. Purpose: The aim was to fund the Nicaraguan Contras, a rebel group opposed to the Sandinista government in Nicaragua. The U.S. Congress had prohibited further aid to the Contras, prompting officials to seek alternative funding channels.

3. Revelation and Impact: The operation was discovered in 1986, leading to significant media coverage and a political scandal. It led to several investigations and trials, revealing the extent of covert operations and leading to many convictions, although later many were pardoned. The scandal significantly damaged the credibility of the Reagan administration and raised serious questions about the legality and oversight of foreign policy operations.

Crime Bill - Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act (1994)

1. Background: The Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act, commonly known as the 1994 Crime Bill, was signed into law by President Bill Clinton. It was the largest crime bill in the history of the United States and aimed to address rising crime rates.

2. Contents and Measures: The bill provided for 100,000 new police officers, $9.7 billion in funding for prisons, and $6.1 billion in funding for prevention programs which were designed with significant input from experienced police officers. The bill also included the Federal Assault Weapons Ban and the Violence Against Women Act.

3. Controversy and Impact: While initially popular and credited with helping to decrease U.S. crime rates, the bill has been criticized in subsequent years for contributing to mass incarceration, particularly of Black Americans. The policies led to an increase in the prison population and were later regarded as overly harsh, particularly the "three strikes" rule and mandatory minimum sentences. The Crime Bill has been a subject of intense debate and reflection, particularly among civil rights groups and advocates for criminal justice reform.

Reflective Question for Generation X:

Considering the significant global and domestic challenges faced during your formative years, such as the end of the Cold War, economic recessions, and major shifts in social policies, how do these events influence your views on authority, trust, and community involvement? How can understanding this impact foster greater empathy across different generations?

Journal Prompt for Generation X:

Reflect on a major event from your youth, such as the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Iran-Contra affair, or the implementation of the 1994 Crime Bill. How did this event influence your understanding of justice, governance, or international relations? Write about how these perceptions have evolved over time and how they affect your interactions with younger generations today.

Millennials 1981-1996

Geopolitical Conflicts and Violence

1. Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988): A prolonged military conflict between Iran and Iraq that resulted in massive casualties and economic devastation for both countries, often regarded as a war of attrition.

2. The Gulf War (1990-1991): Initiated by Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, this conflict drew a large international coalition led by the United States to expel Iraqi forces. The war had significant environmental and human impacts, particularly through the widespread use of air strikes and ground battles.

3. Bosnian War (1992-1995): Part of the breakup of Yugoslavia, this ethnically rooted war involved severe human rights violations, including ethnic cleansing and genocide, particularly against Bosnian Muslims.

4. Rwandan Genocide (1994): Over approximately 100 days, an estimated 800,000 to 1 million Tutsi and moderate Hutu were systematically slaughtered by Hutu extremists in one of the fastest and most brutal genocides in history.

5. First Chechen War (1994-1996): An attempt by the Chechen Republic to gain independence from Russia led to a brutal and bloody conflict marked by high casualties and destruction, and reports of widespread human rights abuses.

Social and Civil Rights Issues

1. AIDS Epidemic: Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the global spread of HIV/AIDS saw significant societal and governmental neglect, particularly affecting the gay community, drug users, and the African continent. The stigma associated with the disease led to widespread discrimination against those affected.

2. Ongoing Apartheid in South Africa and Its Dismantling (1991): The oppressive regime of apartheid enforcing racial segregation and disenfranchisement of the Black majority continued until the early 1990s. Nelson Mandela’s release in 1990 and subsequent election in 1994 marked significant steps towards racial equality.

3. The Zapatista Uprising (1994): The emergence of the Zapatista Army of National Liberation in Chiapas, Mexico, highlighted significant issues of rights for indigenous peoples and opposition to neoliberal economic policies.

Economic and Political Repression

1. Tiananmen Square Massacre (1989): The Chinese government's violent crackdown on protesters in Tiananmen Square, who were demanding political reform and greater personal freedoms, resulted in hundreds to thousands of deaths.

2. Continued Political Repression in Myanmar (Burma): Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Myanmar was under a military dictatorship that suppressed any form of dissent and committed numerous human rights abuses.

3. Economic Crisis in Latin America: The 1980s, often called the "Lost Decade" for Latin America, saw severe economic crises due to debt defaults, leading to significant poverty and inequality, which continued into the 1990s.

Oppression of Specific Groups

1. Oppression of the LGBTQ+ Community: Despite some progress, many countries continued to criminalize homosexual activities and failed to protect the LGBTQ+ community from discrimination and violence.

2. Women’s Rights: Women continued to fight for equal rights and faced systemic discrimination, violence, and limited reproductive rights, particularly in conservative regions.

3. Racial and Ethnic Tensions: Racial tensions remained high in many Western countries, evidenced by events like the Los Angeles riots in 1992 following the acquittal of police officers videotaped beating Rodney King.

The period from 1981 to 1996, which encompasses the formative years for Millennials, was marked by several significant global events reflecting various forms of oppression. You can also take a moment to see how each generation overlaps. While some trauma may be direct, other trauma may be experienced through another, the main thread here is our interconnectedness. As an example I shared how Iran Contra impacted my own life and by 1996 I was becoming someone’s mother (as a teen) when we look at intersectionality we can see how overlapping timelines and traumas will impact the way we raise our children. I grew up in the height of the “drug epidemic” along with the Aids Crisis. That directly impacted my views on leaving the city, pushing to get out of poverty, and helped enforce my then-Irish Catholic views on abstinence and waiting for marriage which I laid on to my child. This is just one example of how global events when sold to us by the media without deeper context, can and do impact who we are and how we pass on trauma.

Instead of being able to recognize all of the intersections at play. There was no drug epidemic, there was however a government shipping in drugs and placing it in poor areas, and for the first time poor people saw a way of escaping that poverty, There was no AIDS Crisis, there was however a government that hated queer people because of its Christian ideologies and left gay people (very specifically poor white men) to die as a punishment for acting out against God.

When we take a serious lens of intersectionality, empathy, and decolonization we will truly see how interconnected our journeys are and how each of us passes down ideologies of the generations before us. When we can meet ourselves and them with grace we can truly begin to dismantle the systemic violence happening against us all.

Reflective Question for Giving the Last Generation Grace:

Considering the rapid technological advancements and global upheavals that shaped the last generation's formative years, how can we extend grace in understanding their unique challenges and pressures, especially in how they relate to and interact with the world and subsequent generations

Journal Prompt for Reflecting on Grace Towards the Last Generation:

Reflect on a major global or social event that occurred during the formative years of the last generation, such as the rise of the internet, the 9/11 attacks, or the 2008 financial crisis. How do you think these events might have shaped their worldview, values, and behaviors? Write about ways you can apply this understanding to foster better communication and relationships across generational divides.

We will continue with Gen Z 1997-2012, Gen Alpha 2010-2025 on the next post

With Love and Care,

Desireé B Stephens

Educator | Counselor | Community Builder