Ah, Generation X. Once thought of as the misfits, we emerged from the shadows of the Millennials, navigating a world that threw us into a recession just as we graduated. We were told we’d be the first to earn less than our parents, and while we never fought in a war, the suburbs shaped our upbringing and the ‘80s were our glory days.
Now, as we hold positions of power, we might find ourselves scratching our heads at those free-spirited Millennials flaunting their confidence and low-slung jeans. But the lines can be a bit fuzzy—what truly defines a Gen Xer, and where does Generation Y fit in? According to some recent findings, Generation X spans from 1965 to 1984, while Millennials, those coattail-chasers, were born between 1982 and 2004. But let’s skip the charts; here are 29 traits that every true Xer can recognize:
- Your copy of Generation X by Douglas Coupland is well-loved.
- You embrace the label “slacker,” even if you’ve got a steady job and responsibilities.
- You rocked acid wash jeans but now wish those photos would disappear.
- Molly Ringwald was definitely your iconic crush.
- In tense moments, you might find yourself whispering, “Stay gold, Ponyboy.”
- You still feel the loss of River Phoenix and Kurt Cobain.
- You often think Jordan Catalano should’ve treated Angela better.
- You dressed to impress at Madonna concerts and even shared lace gloves with your bestie.
- You’ve debated whether John Hughes or Cameron Crowe made the better movies.
- You can name all of Martin Sheen’s sons and every member of the Brat Pack.
- Your Joy Division and Depeche Mode tapes wore out, leading you back to the record store.
- You still jam to Pearl Jam and Dr. Dre while belting out Backstreet Boys tunes.
- Just hearing “Purple Rain” can bring a tear to your eye.
- You know what a record store is, and you understand what making a mixtape really takes.
- “Take On Me” by A-ha was probably the first music video that captivated you on MTV.
- Your first email was an AOL address, and you remember the moment you signed up.
- You might still think of Troy Dyer as your dream boyfriend.
- Seeing Doc Martens in store windows might make you want to grab a pair again.
- You know that Heathers is the original Mean Girls.
- The sounds of Pac-Man still make you feel a bit anxious.
- You were a pro at popping your collar, especially while in Vuarnets.
- At airports, you sometimes can’t help but yell, “The plane! The plane!”
- You recognize Sarah Jessica Parker as a true ‘Square Peg.’
- You watched the Berlin Wall come down on one of three major TV channels, breathing a sigh of relief at the Cold War’s end.
- The first test of a boy’s manners was if he opened your car door before heading to his side.
- Thursday nights were reserved for NBC’s ‘Must-See TV,’ and you never missed it.
- You still harbor a secret fondness for U2.
- It was completely normal to tie up the phone line for hours each night.
- You spent carefree afternoons biking with friends, returning home only when the streetlights flickered on.
And here we are, left wondering how we got so old while carrying the weight of debt.
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Summary
Generation X is a unique group defined by a distinct set of cultural references and experiences. From our love for iconic films to specific music memories, we carry a nostalgic sense of identity shaped by the late 20th century. As we navigate adulthood, it’s essential to remember our roots while also embracing the present.