Eons “Woodstock 40th” Survey Shows Boomers Loved Their Careers, Still Pursue Their Ideals, and Chose CSNY (Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young) Over Hendrix
Boston, MA, August 12, 2009 --(PR.com)-- From proclaiming “far out” as their favorite slang term to electing an African American president as their biggest surprise, Boomers share who they were and who they’ve become.
Eons.com, the online community for Baby Boomers, today announced the results of its Woodstock 40th Anniversary Survey. The survey sampled the opinions of nearly 2,000 respondents age 45 and over, forming a portrait of a generation that started out breaking the rules…and four decades later continues to shape the world around them. The survey and online group dedicated to Woodstock’s 40th anniversary are available at www.eons.com/woodstock40th.
“Our members have been anticipating Woodstock’s landmark anniversary for more than a year. This weekend, eons.com welcomes all who experienced the 1960s to celebrate and share their Woodstock stories and connect with peers around this life-changing event,” says Jeff Taylor, Eons CEO and founder. “Boomers will continue to impact society, redefining the norm, but this weekend is all about celebration and reflection.”
Highlights are summarized below.
Boomers’ Real Views on Woodstock, Music and the Hippie Life
CSNY (Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young) was the survey’s surprise winner for favorite live performer at Woodstock (77%). Jimi Hendrix, the iconic Woodstock artist, came in 2nd with 53%. The #2 favorite? Creedence Clearwater Revival (72%).
Nearly half of all respondents (47%) said the music was the most memorable part about Woodstock. Interestingly, Woodstock attendees said the sense of peace and togetherness (47%) was more memorable than the music (19%).
Only 16% of all respondents considered themselves to be hippies in the ‘60s, but 60% “wanted to be” or said they were “maybe a little bit…” Of those who attended Woodstock, 47% called themselves hippies versus 14% of non-attenders. Today, only 8% of Boomers consider themselves to be, with another 38% proclaiming “sort of.”
Bell bottoms were a must-have for both genders (80%). While women raved about their very long hair (59%), men sported sideburns (47%) and their own long hair (38%).
Boomers declared “Far Out” as their most-loved saying (66%). The distant second? “Groovy” (48%).
They Have Become “The Man” and Loved Their Careers
Two-thirds of Boomers said they have achieved their career aspirations. In 1969, women’s top goal (32%) was to have a job that could help make a difference, while men (36%) sought a company with good benefits, pensions and security. The beginning of a sea change for women and work was evident as only 22% of women wanted to be a stay-at-home parent. Career disappointment centered on not making enough money, despite liking their jobs. Over 40% said they have or had a really fun and enjoyable career.
Of the 42% of respondents who gave much thought in the 1960’s to the corporate world, 22% thought it was a necessary evil. Today, almost all Boomers think about the corporate world (93%) and despite career success, many still feel it is a necessary evil (36%).
Hell No, We Won’t Go
35% of respondents participated in an anti-war protest in the ‘60s, but Woodstock attendees were twice as likely (66%) to have protested. Interestingly, twice as many men (25%) as women said they supported the government’s position. Although 73% said Woodstock did not influence their attitude toward anti-war protesters, 19% said it made them more tolerant.
While 42% said they are “much less active today” in anti-war protests, as a generation Boomers are more involved in activism and community support. One-third (33%) are “much more active today” in volunteerism and nearly 40% are “somewhat more active” in grassroots activism, social organizing and political activism.
The ‘60s Shaped Their Generation
45% said, “I am who I am because of the ‘60s,” with 75% claiming that growing up in the ‘60s made them a more open-minded person. Over 50% enjoyed those times and would choose to live them over again, while only 9% would happily skip that time.
In 1969, they never would have imagined that in 40 years the USA would have an African American President (60%). Other findings? They still enjoy music as much as they did (36%); they enjoy being grandparents (32%); and they as strongly espouse the values of peace, love and community (32%) as they did 40 years ago.
Overall, 62% of Boomers said their generation as a whole has not achieved its ideals yet. One commented, “We made more change happen faster than anyone dreamed possible before us. There is still a distance to go, but our impact on the process has been undeniable.”
About Eons™
Eons.com is the online community for spirited BOOMers who want to explore their passions, keep in touch with friends, connect with interesting people to share life experiences and most of all have fun.
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Eons.com, the online community for Baby Boomers, today announced the results of its Woodstock 40th Anniversary Survey. The survey sampled the opinions of nearly 2,000 respondents age 45 and over, forming a portrait of a generation that started out breaking the rules…and four decades later continues to shape the world around them. The survey and online group dedicated to Woodstock’s 40th anniversary are available at www.eons.com/woodstock40th.
“Our members have been anticipating Woodstock’s landmark anniversary for more than a year. This weekend, eons.com welcomes all who experienced the 1960s to celebrate and share their Woodstock stories and connect with peers around this life-changing event,” says Jeff Taylor, Eons CEO and founder. “Boomers will continue to impact society, redefining the norm, but this weekend is all about celebration and reflection.”
Highlights are summarized below.
Boomers’ Real Views on Woodstock, Music and the Hippie Life
CSNY (Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young) was the survey’s surprise winner for favorite live performer at Woodstock (77%). Jimi Hendrix, the iconic Woodstock artist, came in 2nd with 53%. The #2 favorite? Creedence Clearwater Revival (72%).
Nearly half of all respondents (47%) said the music was the most memorable part about Woodstock. Interestingly, Woodstock attendees said the sense of peace and togetherness (47%) was more memorable than the music (19%).
Only 16% of all respondents considered themselves to be hippies in the ‘60s, but 60% “wanted to be” or said they were “maybe a little bit…” Of those who attended Woodstock, 47% called themselves hippies versus 14% of non-attenders. Today, only 8% of Boomers consider themselves to be, with another 38% proclaiming “sort of.”
Bell bottoms were a must-have for both genders (80%). While women raved about their very long hair (59%), men sported sideburns (47%) and their own long hair (38%).
Boomers declared “Far Out” as their most-loved saying (66%). The distant second? “Groovy” (48%).
They Have Become “The Man” and Loved Their Careers
Two-thirds of Boomers said they have achieved their career aspirations. In 1969, women’s top goal (32%) was to have a job that could help make a difference, while men (36%) sought a company with good benefits, pensions and security. The beginning of a sea change for women and work was evident as only 22% of women wanted to be a stay-at-home parent. Career disappointment centered on not making enough money, despite liking their jobs. Over 40% said they have or had a really fun and enjoyable career.
Of the 42% of respondents who gave much thought in the 1960’s to the corporate world, 22% thought it was a necessary evil. Today, almost all Boomers think about the corporate world (93%) and despite career success, many still feel it is a necessary evil (36%).
Hell No, We Won’t Go
35% of respondents participated in an anti-war protest in the ‘60s, but Woodstock attendees were twice as likely (66%) to have protested. Interestingly, twice as many men (25%) as women said they supported the government’s position. Although 73% said Woodstock did not influence their attitude toward anti-war protesters, 19% said it made them more tolerant.
While 42% said they are “much less active today” in anti-war protests, as a generation Boomers are more involved in activism and community support. One-third (33%) are “much more active today” in volunteerism and nearly 40% are “somewhat more active” in grassroots activism, social organizing and political activism.
The ‘60s Shaped Their Generation
45% said, “I am who I am because of the ‘60s,” with 75% claiming that growing up in the ‘60s made them a more open-minded person. Over 50% enjoyed those times and would choose to live them over again, while only 9% would happily skip that time.
In 1969, they never would have imagined that in 40 years the USA would have an African American President (60%). Other findings? They still enjoy music as much as they did (36%); they enjoy being grandparents (32%); and they as strongly espouse the values of peace, love and community (32%) as they did 40 years ago.
Overall, 62% of Boomers said their generation as a whole has not achieved its ideals yet. One commented, “We made more change happen faster than anyone dreamed possible before us. There is still a distance to go, but our impact on the process has been undeniable.”
About Eons™
Eons.com is the online community for spirited BOOMers who want to explore their passions, keep in touch with friends, connect with interesting people to share life experiences and most of all have fun.
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Eons, Inc.
Ri Regina
617-337-9400 x209
www.eons.com
Ri Regina
617-337-9400 x209
www.eons.com
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