Generation X 1961-1981 A.K.A. "Number 13"
We are called the 13th generation because we are the 13th generation to know the flag of the United States. This is counting back to or starting from the time of Benjamin Franklin. I am No. 13. Did anyone say, “unlucky”?
I never did understand why my generation was labeled with just an “X.” As we younger people say, “What up?” It is an insult to be categorized with just a letter, and of all the letters we are given an “X.” Do you see the irony of our generation being accused of being apathetic?
Here is the following list of the MTV and/or Generation X’s characteristics according to the 1991 book “13th Generation” by William Strauss and Neil Howe:
1. Disaffection with governance, a lack of trust in leadership, particularly institutional leadership
2. Rampant political apathy
3. Increase of divorce
4. Increase of mothers in the workplace
5. The zero population of growth movement
6. Availability of birth control pills. (Children were things you took pills NOT to have)
7. Devil child films
8. Increase in educational variance
9. Decrease in educational funding and loan availability (simultaneous with increase in advertising for military service)
10. Inception of the Internet
11. The end of the Cold War
There is a significant percentage of Generation X-ers who come from single-parent homes due to divorce, or other single-parent situations. Although this may be perceived as a handicap in the previous generation’s eyes, it is all we know. We have adapted and have overcome. We work hard, support and raise our own families with the tools and resources that we have. We give our best, and we give back to the community. Somehow, I think that is in every generation’s nature.
I know that the mid 20-somethings and those of us who are in our 30-somethings do care about the government and its process, as well as our communities, our neighborhoods, our children, our neighbors’ children, our mothers and fathers, our sisters and brothers, health care, immigration, education, population growth, the environment, AIDS, Africa, Iraq, Afghanistan, the economy, pornography, child abuse, abortion, Internet exploitation, drugs, wars and the stranger on the street.
We are not to be forgotten. The next time you buy a lottery ticket, buy your groceries, buy your gas, buy your clothes, tip your wait person, have a biopsy, have your oil changed, do your taxes, have the sprinklers fixed, have your computer repaired, or make a call to “tech support”, just please remember Generation X.
We are not the baby boomers. However, we are to be counted, and we do contribute to society. The phrase “stuck between a rock and a hard place” comes to mind.
I am not asking to be honored, just say, “hello” once in a while, and a “thank you” would be welcomed, as well.
We are here and we do care. We do have a small voice, but we still have a voice.
Lollapalooza (the X-ers will get that). As for everyone else, thank you for your time.
Erin L. Haskins is a secretary for a local investment firm and a housewife in Evans.