Quiz: How much do you know about the boomer generation?

Baby boomers have played an important role in U.S. history; though they aren’t solely responsible for bringing equality to the table, they certainly were among those on the frontline championing rights through the ‘60s and ‘70s. According to historian W. Andrew Achenbaum, they “institutionalized an ethos of inclusivity in U.S. society, helping to ensure that freedoms applied to African-Americans, women, new immigrants and gays, not just middle-class white males.” The culture they helped shape reflected that ethos, and many other influencers besides.

How much do you know about the moments in popular culture that defined the boomer generation? Answer these twelve questions to find out. 

1. What was the off-camera name of the shark in “Jaws”?

a) Whitey

b) Bruce

c) Pearl

d) The Lean Mean Eating Machine

Answer: B, Bruce

Next up: Countercultural phrases

2. Who said, “turn on, tune in, drop out”?

a) Tiny Tim

b) Tim Tebow

c) Tim Leary

d) Denis Leary

Answer: C, Tim Leary

Next up: Adventures in space

3. Who was the original moonwalker?

a) Michael Jackson

b) Jackson Browne

c) Neil Armstrong

d) Stretch Armstrong

Answer: C, Neil Armstrong

Next up: 1960s television

4. What future star played a jungle boy on “Gilligan’s Island”?

a) Russell Crowe

b) Kurt Russell

c) Kurt Cobain

d) Kurtwood Smith

Answer: B, Kurt Russell

Next up: Turn-of-the-century sports

5. Who scored the last touchdown of the 20th century?

a) Peyton Manning

b) Eli Manning

c) Danny Manning

d) Deuce McAllister

Answer: D, Deuce McAllister

Next up: Billboard Hot 100: 1974

6. What 1974 hit song by Ray Stevens became a national fad.

a) “The Streak”

b) “Pet Rock Blues”

c) “What’s Up, Chia Pet?”

d) “Smokey and the Bandit”

Answer: A, “The Streak”

Next up: Woodstock