Gen X Essay -- essays research papers

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 ... ...m 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.