Generation X May Fall Victim to Its Own Popularity

While it is possible that my demographic is affecting my digital algorithms, it seems to me that I have, over the past several years, seen a lot of commentary, comedy, and earnest appreciation surrounding Generation X.

The messaging, at its core, seems to usually revolve around the idea of Gen X being something of a bridge, the connectors between the analogue past and the digital future. According to memes, those born between 1965 and 1980 – although those defining years can be a bit of a moving target – are defined by both having to remember phone numbers and inventing the technology that no longer required it. It’s the generation, or so we are told, that asked what it could do to make the world better but also perfected a certain sense of apathy. I’m pretty proud to be considered an X, that small-but fervent-army of latchkey kids, flannelled slackers, moonwalkers, and home-when-the-streetlights-come-on commandos. I think we are resilient, self-reliant, and just cynical enough to remain flexible in a malleable world.

But I’m also concerned. I’m concerned about the praise and effusive enthusiasm aimed at X. Because while there isn’t much of a history of over-hyped generations – the Greatest Generation was, in fact, pretty great – blow back in every other aspect of contemporary society is a very real phenomenon. The over-promoted movie, the overplayed song, and the issue that hangs too long in the headlines all tend to become diluted by over-exposure.

Two things happen when something enters the public zeitgeist. The first is an overwhelming acceptance and embrace – which is sort of where the Gen X hype exists today. This is when we see the memes, t-shirts, playlists, and podcasts emerge. We are currently – I believe – experiencing that in terms of Generation X.

And while much is made of the cultural artifacts that Generation X embraced – MTV, ‘80s action blockbusters, grunge, and the like – every age group has those things that both define and date them. Let’s face facts – Frankie Goes to Hollywood has not aged all that well. I also saw a ‘serious’ news piece the other day about “Knight Rider.” Enough said.

And while the somewhat sillier side of the X generational obsessions certainly make for the occasionally entertaining meme, it also reminds us that, despite the hype, Generation X is not, and never was, some sort of Golden Age for kids coming of age. We watched too much television. We disengaged from the world. We wore Panama Jack hats. As outstanding as things may have been, they also were also a little suspect.

For those middle-aged men and women currently riding high on the idea the Gen X is finally getting its due, let me offer a warning. Remain humble – because the hype will not last long.

The author Douglas Coupland coined the term Generation X as the title of his novel “Generation X: Tales for an Accelerated Culture.” We remember the main title, but it is that second part, the mention of accelerated culture, which might be more meaningful and predictive.

Which leads us to the second phase in the life cycle of a phenomenon such as the current Gen X love. Dismissal.

People will get tired of hearing about Generation X and, because we are living in Coupland’s Accelerated Culture, it will happen soon. Generation X – and every generation that follows – suffers from a foreshortened attention span brought on by a steady diet of “Sesame Street.” “Space Invaders,” and the advent of the internet. The more we see messaging that warns the foolhardy away from ‘messing with the X,’ the less impact – perhaps deservedly – it will have. Remember, there was once a time, not all that long ago, when Boomers were the headlines, touted as the inheritors of the Earth. Now Boomer is a punchline, unfair shorthand for old and out of touch.

For now, however, Generation X is still having its moment. We are taking our victory lap, accepting credit and thanks for hip hop, indie rock, and movies about Gremlins. We are proud – perhaps rightfully so – of our cultural impact. I, however, am taking the current appreciation with a grain of salt. Pride goeth before the fall. It also goeth in that short moment just before people realize their old pair of Vans wasn’t all that comfortable.