Yeah, you read that right, boomers.
Generation X – born between 1965 and 1980 – has become the pillar generation. Sometimes deemed the “middle child,” Gen X is sandwiched between two larger generations – the baby boomers, who are now retirement age, and millennials, who are considered more liberal.
We Gen Xers grew up in an era of autonomy and self-reliance. So, it’s probably not surprising that 44% of us politically identify as independents, a higher percentage than previous generations.
We were the “latchkey kids,” letting ourselves into our homes if our moms worked or if our parents were divorced. Millennials probably think we were feral. Did parents really let us roam freely back in the ’70s and ’80s? My mom generally knew where I was, but I remember when my mom would tell me to “find something to do” during the summer. Sometimes that meant something around the house, while at other times it meant walking to a friend’s house and hanging out. Regardless, it gave her several hours of peace while my friends and I climbed trees, threw the football, or played at the neighborhood park. Maybe that is why we tend to be fiercely independent without making a big deal about it.
We have a cynical streak. We grew up during the Reagan years and heard him wisely advise, “Trust, but verify.” Many of us unconsciously internalized that statement and made it our life’s mantra. The characterization of us as rebellious slackers was an unfair depiction. As we’ve learned in recent years, it’s good to question society and the government. If you saw someone ignoring the arrows in local grocery stores during Covid, it was probably a Gen Xer.
As of 2024, Gen X makes up 31% of America’s workforce. Generation X’s motto has always been “work hard, play hard.” We reject the idea that we must sacrifice our souls for success. We watched our parents and grandparents work themselves to death, sacrificing family time and often displaying loyalty to a company that never reciprocated. Gen Xers are hardworking individuals who strive to maintain a reasonable work-life balance. Gen X husbands and fathers tend to be more involved in many aspects of raising their children than Boomer or Silent Generation fathers were. They strive to have closer relationships with their children than their fathers had with them.
If you’re relieved that Kamala Harris isn’t our current president, hug a Gen Xer! People aged 45 to 64 – which is predominantly Gen X – went +6 for Donald Trump over Harris, carrying Trump across the finish line. Because Gen X remembers Ronald Reagan fondly, it’s no wonder we went for Trump the strongest. We have desired an America-first president ever since Reagan. Interestingly, boomers leaned left in 2024.
Unlike boomers, Gen Xers have learned life lessons about when to leave the party, the relationship, and the job. How many boomers do we have refusing to hang up their congressional hats who should have stopped running for re-election years ago? People like Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA) have been in D.C. for more than 30 years. Boomers have never mastered the art of retirement.
Generation X was the most mentally prepared generation for the Covid pandemic. We had worked and pushed through tumultuous times, such as 9/11 and the 2008 stock market crash. We adjusted to remote work and now, five years later, to hybrid schedules. When our kids were sent home to finish out the 2020 school year, we dealt with it. We helped with English, reviewed history lessons, and taught our kids the real math that Common Core got wrong. Adaptations have always been a part of our lives.
We have a deep appreciation for nostalgia. We love our childhood movies, music and television shows. Our love of the ’80s and ’90s has kept those decades relevant for nearly 45 years, with retro revivals and reboots. To this day, 80s music remains popular and may continue to be so. Imagine my glee when I heard “Start Me Up,” by the Rolling Stones, and “Don’t Stop Believin’,” by Journey at my son’s cross-country races!
Like it or not, we Gen Xers are the realists holding this nation together right now. We may be low-key, but we’re resilient in the face of adversity. We tend to thrive during tough times, having adopted Han Solo’s mantra, “Never tell me the odds!” We’ve always been slow to complain, and we don’t ask for handouts. Generation X is a generation that has quietly and confidently made this country a better place. And we’re not done yet.
Kristin Landers is a substitute teacher and freelance writer. Landers’ previous work includes serving as Communications Director for the Alabama Policy Institute and working for Citizens Against a Legalized Lottery (CALL) to defeat legalized gambling in the state of Alabama.
The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of 1819 News. To comment, please send an email with your name and contact information to [email protected].
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