"Old people" are not usually known for their progressive attitudes. The older you get, the more tired you get of change.

The Democratic Party has become known for pushing social change. Good or bad, it's still change. And the changes that usually get highlighted are the progressive changes on old, long standing, and beloved values. Again, whether or not those values are right or wrong becomes a moot point to people after a while.

There's a reason "political correctness" came along. Social pressure was needed to let people know that it's not okay to talk or act certain ways in our society. But who among us hasn't rolled our eyes or had a deep sigh at a PC complaint or phrase from time to time? Now imagine being corrected everytime you turn around.

I had to tell my dad a year ago that it wasn't okay to use the phrase "colored people". As dumbfounded as I was that he wasn't already aware of this, he was at least as dumbfounded that it wasn't okay to say. According to him, that was the polite thing to call African Americans when he was growing up.

I don't point any of this out because I agree with the old guard. I just think it's helpful if you can understand where the other side is coming from, even if you don't agree. It gives you a starting point when trying to have a meaningful discussion.