Generation Stereotypes: Generation X

In a series of posts we are going to be exploring the stereotypes of the generations, discussing traits and how society views the generation in discussion. The second post is about generation x, the generation born in 1965 to 1980.

Reminder these are not facts and in fact generalizations and stereotypes therefore I am in no way claiming that this is fact.

Generation X is known as either the “slacker” generation or the forgotten generation. Them being known as the slacker generation contrasts with the Baby Boomers that are the workaholic generation.

Due to generation x being raised by boomers who are workaholics, they had limited supervision leading most in gen x being extremely independent. You could even say that this lack of supervision was one of the first contributions of them being the forgotten generation however this is just opinion not factual at all.

Some positive traits of gen x, is that they are favorable in a work environments. They are hard working however unlike boomers gen x appreciate home life and freedom rather then just work. Gen X are responsible, flexible as well as having good knowledge on technology since they watched technology advance. Negative traits include bleak, cynical and disaffected.

Where did the slacker stereotype come from? Well during the time that gen x grew up there was a rise in pop culture, well pop culture began to play a bigger role in society. At the time grunge and rock were popular and was associated with slacker traits to other generations. It has nothing to do with the traits associated with gen x at all.

How did gen x become forgotten? Well they fell off of the marketing radar, due to using non favorable sites such as Facebook (not that Facebook isn’t marketable at all) . Personally I believe it also has something to do with gen x not falling for traps advertisers use. (Another reason is because during the “ok boomer” meme they were not involved which all the other generations were.)

Do you have any other explanations on how gen x became the forgotten generation? Let us know in the comments. I think there is a lot we can learn from generation x, it is important to work hard but also enjoy home life or your hobbies having a good balance.

Reminder it is stereotypes not factual, these are opinions that I have found during my research and unfortunately due to them being the forgotten generation finding information was challenging specially reasoning on how they exactly became forgotten so I would really like your takes if you have any.

~Stay Curious~