Generation X Essay, Research Paper

Did you know that you are considered part of the first generation symbolizing the decline of the nation? Generations are labeled all the time by historians, novelists and journalist in an attempt to capture the spirit or essence of an era. But the term Generation X carries all the negativity of propaganda and stereotype. The term Generation X has become a derisive media batchphrase, a snide put-down for those 80 million people who, like me, were born between 1961 and 1981. They are the children of the baby boomers and the 13th generation since the pilgrims landed in Plymouth. This group is, were told irresponsible, materialistic, abnormal and apathetic. So how did the term Generation X originate, what are some of their characteristics and why is there so much controversy of the term Generation X? How did the term originate? Back in 1991 a 28 year old named Douglas Coupland wrote a book titled Generation X. The book was about three fictional characters who decided to withdraw from society in order to find themselves. They then moved to Palm Springs, CA where they lived in bungalows and worked at the bottom of the food chain. The book received no publicity and almost no reviews. But that summer a Texan released the movie Slackers, which was filled with overeducated and underoccupied oddballs who loosely paralleled the characters in the book. And at the same time in Seattle, a new form of music was exploding. Its attitude had everything to do with withdrawal, contemplation and seeking new margins. As the media goes, two s nothing but three s a trend. Thus were born the most abused buzzwords of the early 90 s Generation X, slacker and grunge. The meaning of generation x Generation X is also sometimes refereed to as the Latch key Generation. With no one at home after school. Generation X has become a negative term to describe their generation as aimless, unfocused, disorganized, unmotivated, lazy and distrustful of ideas and institutions. X ers were labeled monsters. Their protestants became whining, being mellow became slacking and the struggle to find ourselves became apathy. Stereotypes portray generation x as transfixed by MTV, Beavis & Butthead, wearing baseball caps backwards, safety pins through nipples, rings through noses and wearing flannel during summer. They are characterized as deadbeats who lack the personal ambition to rise above and who would rather whine about our life s misfortune than tackle life s obstacle head on. Unfortunately these are all terms and stereotypes that this generation is not. It has been said that other generations have labeled them as such because they are seeing Generation Xers through their own eyes and haven t tried to look at it from their perspective. How generation X perceive themselves Generation Xers see themselves as a generation with its own voice and vision.They are said to be savvy consumers with an annual spending power of 125 billion dollars. Most of which they spend on electronics and computer products. However they have economic problems: the starting wages of entry level jobs are declining, housing cost are so high that 46% are still living with mom or dad. But despite their financial pressures, they are as likely as baby boomers to think about long term savings and retirement plan. To them sex means aids and drugs mean addition. They watched their parents climb the corporate ladder in the 80 s and then when their parents divorced, they grew up quickly and took on household responsibilities. They have learned from their parents mistakes; they are marrying later, having kids later in life and want to spend more time with their own children. In 1992, 40% of Gen Xers were married, in 1970 67% of the same age group of baby boomers were married.

They have been left with a 4 trillion debt and they have no faith that politicians will deal with society s ills and won t bother to protest about it because they would rather do it ourselves.63% are dissatisfied with the U.S. government42% thought it was worth their while to call a politician while 56% volunteered17% contributed to political campaign; 71% donated to charity Most of them believe it is more likely to see a UFO in their lifetime than a social security check with their name on it. Social security in its present from will be bankrupt in the year 2029, I ll be 56 how old will you be? Thirteen challenges for the 13th generation 1. Create good jobs2. Protect the planet – Turn water off when brushing teeth, ride bike to work3. Control Crime4. Prevent AIDS5. Reinvent Social Security6. Design a post-cold war military7. Make education affordable8. Give equal Rights to Gays9. Help end homelessness10. Guarantee freedom of choice11. Trim America s budget12. Win affordable Health care13. Reform our politics The difference between Generation X ers and Baby Boomers Yes, Generation X is different from the baby boomers, but not because they are slackers, screw-ups or schemers. But because they have been exposed since childhood to accepting and encouraging cultural ethics and diversity and because they are highly individualistic. Whereas, their parents were not. Gen Xers are more liberal than the Baby boomers. They tend to distrust government control of anything – they don t want the government meddling in their bedrooms, or their computers and especially their incomes. Though socially liberal, like the young people throughout history, young X ers are far more fiscally conservative than the past generations. Though many boomers may have lost faith in the federal government, x ers never had faith. They know that they are paying social security to support their parents, Medicaid to support their grandparents and taxes to support wasteful government projects. They never expect to benefit from large government programs. Conclusion Although there is still much conflict and uncertainty about Generation X. You now know that generation x refers to a group of people born between 1961 and 1981. Generation X is perceived by the media, government and others to be a generation that lacks depth or direction or to add value to society. Many suggest that they are the lost generation. They may in fact be the generation that has learned from our parents mistakes and now have a different way of thinking and adapting itself to a changing world. Yet they continue to be discredited. Society need to understand that X is a term that defines not a chronological age but a way of looking at the world. Generation Xers are working to make a better life for themselves. They want to ensure that the interest of their generation is looked out for and they are committed to improving the public s perception of their generation. Generation X is most certainly not a lost cause. Contrary to popular belief, they are intelligent and are very concerned about their future. They will in fact be the most influential and important generation in the next century, they will make a difference.