“The Lead Paint Stare: Exploring a Trend Among Boomers That Has Everyone Talking”
If you’ve scrolled through enough TikTok or new social media content, then you’ve probably come across your fair share of content where folks malign “boomers” in a variety of ways, like the “lead paint stare.” While there are some people who criticize these posts as being “ageist” in nature, there are others who seem to agree that yes, old people kind of, in general, suck and are difficult to deal with.
Understanding the Lead Paint Stare
Some might argue that a lot of this hate comes from the entitlement of living in a time period that was more economically conducive to allowing folks to buy properties for more manageable prices. There’s a recurring refrain for the lives that boomers led: aka they had the ability to support a family and pay off a mortgage with yearly vacations and cover all of their bills with a single job.
The Behavioral Traits and Behaviors
But for a lot of people, their issues with boomers have less to do with their financial statuses and more to do with the specific ways they behave in social situations, like the aforementioned “lead paint stare.”
The Origins of the Lead Paint Stare
Numerous social media posts have pointed out this behavioral trait folks have associated with boomers — i.e., this penchant for rudely staring at someone, seemingly without any shame. The name appears to come from the fact that during a certain period in American history, the use of lead-based paints was allowed in residential homes.
Health Hazards Associated with Lead Paint
According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, lead paint can lead to a host of health problems for those affected by the substance. Lead may cause behavioral problems, learning disabilities, seizures, and in extreme cases, death. Symptoms of lead poisoning may include headaches, stomachaches, nausea, tiredness, and irritability.
Exploring Different Perspectives
So the “lead paint stare” can refer to long-form behavioral problems according to numerous critics of boomers; this rude glare, for instance, is directly attributed to exposure to lead-based paints. However, there are some TikTokers who say that the “lead paint stare” isn’t a boomer problem but just indicative of cognitive decline in general.
Stories and Encounters
Some TikTokers have shared encounters where they’ve experienced the “lead paint stare” in various situations, such as service jobs or public appearances like the infamous Mitch McConnell “lead paint stare” during a press conference.
Join the Conversation
Have you ever encountered the “lead paint stare” with someone? Do you think it’s a recurring trend among a certain demographic of customers? Or are people just making fun of boomers because it’s the cool thing to do? Share your thoughts and experiences with us.