Members of 'forgotten' Gen X are sharing what it was like growing up in the coolest generation

Sandwiched between the much larger Baby Boomer and Millennial generations, Gen X is often left out of the intergenerational conversation. However, given the fact that Gen Xers are best known for shrugging off most things with a "whatever," most of us probably don't mind.
(Editor's Note: This article is written by a card-carrying member of Gen X, born in 1977.)
People born between 1965 and 1980 have a unique perspective on life because they bridge the divide between the old world of analog and the digital revolution.
We're the last generation that knows how to use a rotary phone and the first that dated people by meeting them on American Online. And we remember a world where there were actually music videos on MTV.
Gen Xers also grew up during a distinct period in history. We're the first generation in America who feared they wouldn't do as well as their parents. The AIDS epidemic made sex and relationships serious, life-or-death topics and we grew up during one of the most violent eras in American history.
We are also known as the "least parented generation in history." Many of us were born during the divorce boom of the '70s and '80s, a time when both parents worked, but there weren't as many daycare resources. So, a lot of Gen Xers were latchkey kids who came home to empty houses and took care of themselves.
Gen X also grew up during an incredible time for entertainment. We saw the first "Star Wars" trilogy, "E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial," and the "Indiana Jones" films on the big screen or at drive-ins, not on Netflix. We also got to grow up during the greatest era of pop stars being entertained by the likes of Prince, Madonna, and Michael Jackson.
So, if you're a member of Gen X, you know there's a lot to feel nostalgic about.
Twitter user New Wave Tag Game, gave people born into the "forgotten generation" an excuse to share what it was like #GrowingUpGenX by starting the hashtag on Twitter.
Hi! Let's play #GrowingUpGenX! There's been lots of talk about every other generation lately. Let's give a forgot… https://t.co/QkDRZzCKyn— New Wave Tag Game (@New Wave Tag Game) 1622520000.0
The technology was much different.
When you had to use one of these to play your Atari #GrowingUpGenX https://t.co/tQfs9G64r6— Stuely (@Stuely) 1622540453.0
You had to GET UP AND CROSS THE ROOM to change the channel on the TV so you'd make your little brother do it for yo… https://t.co/PZ6tXRuDI1— Tara Dublin Is Vaccinated AF 💉 (@Tara Dublin Is Vaccinated AF 💉) 1622562540.0
Mixtapes. That’s it. That’s the tweet. #GrowingUpGenX https://t.co/JwtDcWfztr— Crap_Locker (@Crap_Locker) 1622555423.0
Your phone was attached TO A WALL #GrowingUpGenX https://t.co/tG1yJs8BpL— Tara Dublin Is Vaccinated AF 💉 (@Tara Dublin Is Vaccinated AF 💉) 1622562051.0
When getting good reception meant this. #GrowingUpGenX https://t.co/Do8Lwkk3ps— Lauren (@Lauren) 1622555967.0
Having this box in your home meant no longer having to get up to change the channel. It meant fights over who got t… https://t.co/UnK7bKPV3n— Sonia Hazard (@Sonia Hazard) 1622549159.0
#GrowingUpGenX I was the first amongst my friends to have a computer and internet. I spent a lot of time in AOL cha… https://t.co/7W0LKeEQCr— Seeker of truth (@Seeker of truth) 1622558406.0
Everything for us was Swatch-styled.
Staying up late for Friday Night Videos, hanging out at the mall all day & never buying anything, & coveting the Sw… https://t.co/GVasdPhNqY— Liz LaPoint 👩🏼💻 (@Liz LaPoint 👩🏼💻) 1622555306.0
Music was "free" but it wasn't on Spotify.
When we were kids, you could order “free” music from Columbia House & BMG. #GrowingUpGenX https://t.co/A2NhN8QOzO— The Baker’s Plants🪴 (@The Baker’s Plants🪴) 1622555596.0
Let's just say that school was really different.
I just spent 10 min explaining what a school book cover was to a millennial at work. She still doesn't believe we… https://t.co/mNr5ZGYaZm— CambridgeGirl (@CambridgeGirl) 1622558902.0
#GrowingUpGenX Owning one of these works of abstract geometric art https://t.co/S8ylh2cCM4— Jill (@Jill) 1622559132.0
We've done pretty well at raising ourselves.
Two Christmases #GrowingUpGenX 🎄🧒🏻👦🏼👩🏻🦰. 🎄🧒🏻👦🏼🧔🏻. https://t.co/cgGnNns7eD— Nick DiDio (@Nick DiDio) 1622562556.0
#GrowingUpGenX your whereabouts during the time between school ending and dinner being ready was a mystery that you… https://t.co/mwQc8cbaDa— robogreen (@robogreen) 1622558416.0
Does Amazon have an international food court? Didn't think so.
The Mall.... #GrowingUpGenX https://t.co/O4hIq2oa5O— This is a Stupid Screen Name (@This is a Stupid Screen Name) 1622560416.0
Life as a kid was a lot different.
#GrowingUpGenX meant you got to Choose Your Own Adventure https://t.co/eFqPgpLK9o— Victor Catano (@Victor Catano) 1622560728.0
I haven't seen a mention of being the last generation that dug through the cereal box for actual toys #GrowingUpGenX https://t.co/H9BWb3NRG2— Maria Mogavero (@Maria Mogavero) 1622561851.0
Admit it, Gen X grew up with much better music than Millenials or Gen Y. Boomers are the only generation that may have had it better.
The age of the guitar hero...and we had the best that will ever be, Van Halen, Malmsteen, Vai, Johnson… https://t.co/DY4QEfbUxG— Roger Sullivan (@Roger Sullivan) 1622568211.0
#GrowingUpGenX https://t.co/8WDDp0bPpb— Angie 𝕻𝖍𝖔𝖊𝖓𝖎𝖝 Shanklin (She/Her) (@Angie 𝕻𝖍𝖔𝖊𝖓𝖎𝖝 Shanklin (She/Her)) 1622562023.0
#GrowingUpGenX means setting a VHS timer to record MTV's 120 Minutes Sunday night at midnight for new indie music,… https://t.co/0OZ9WUmSaf— Mike Chen - WE COULD BE HEROES is out now! (@Mike Chen - WE COULD BE HEROES is out now!) 1622558752.0
Gen X may be the coolest generation because we've side-stepped the Boomer/Millenial conflict with style.
Still slacking after all of these years. #GrowingUpGenX https://t.co/6rEi7d0g9R— Teresa Rothaar (@Teresa Rothaar) 1622556364.0
We had the best movies ever. #GrowingUpGenX https://t.co/QgDJNvC2xI— ☮💙Penny's VAXXED G'ma 💙☯️♀️ (@☮💙Penny's VAXXED G'ma 💙☯️♀️) 1622566001.0
GenX is often referred to as the Forgotten Generation, and we really just don't care that much. #GrowingUpGenX— (((Manny Schewitz))) (@(((Manny Schewitz)))) 1622560654.0
This guy sums up what it was like to grow up Gen X best.
Whatever. #GrowingUpGenX— Irie DC (@Irie DC) 1622562555.0
- Fox News asked Gen X to 'stop cancel culture' and the responses ... ›
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12 non-threatening leadership strategies for women
We mustn't hurt a man's feelings.
Men and the feels.
Note: This an excerpt is from Sarah Cooper's book, How to Be Successful Without Hurting Men's Feelings.
In this fast-paced business world, female leaders need to make sure they're not perceived as pushy, aggressive, or competent.
One way to do that is to alter your leadership style to account for the fragile male ego.
Should men accept powerful women and not feel threatened by them? Yes. Is that asking too much?
IS IT?
Sorry, I didn't mean to get aggressive there. Anyhoo, here are twelve non-threatening leadership strategies for women.
Encourage.
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
When setting a deadline, ask your coworker what he thinks of doing something, instead of just asking him to get it done. This makes him feel less like you're telling him what to do and more like you care about his opinions.
Sharing ideas.
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
When sharing your ideas, overconfidence is a killer. You don't want your male coworkers to think you're getting all uppity. Instead, downplay your ideas as just "thinking out loud," "throwing something out there," or sharing something "dumb," "random," or "crazy."
Email requests.
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
Pepper your emails with exclamation marks and emojis so you don't come across as too clear or direct. Your lack of efficient communication will make you seem more approachable.
Idea sharing.
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
If a male coworker steals your idea in a meeting, thank him for it. Give him kudos for how he explained your idea so clearly. And let's face it, no one might've ever heard it if he hadn't repeated it.
Sexism.
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
When you hear a sexist comment, the awkward laugh is key. Practice your awkward laugh at home, with your friends and family, and in the mirror. Make sure you sound truly delighted even as your soul is dying inside.
Mansplain.
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
Men love explaining things. But when he's explaining something and you already know that, it might be tempting to say, "I already know that." Instead, have him explain it to you over and over again. It will make him feel useful and will give you some time to think about how to avoid him in the future.
Mistakes.
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
Pointing out a mistake is always risky so it's important to always apologize for noticing the mistake and then make sure that no one thinks you're too sure about it. People will appreciate your "hey what do I know?!" sensibilities.
Promotions.
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
Asking your manager for a promotion could make you seem power- hungry, opportunistic, and transparent. Instead, ask a male coworker to vouch for you. Have your coworker tell your manager you'd be great for the role even though you don't really want it. This will make you more likely to actually get that promotion.
Rude.
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
Sometimes not everyone is properly introduced at the start of a meeting. Don't take it personally even if it happens to you all the time, and certainly don't stop the meeting from moving forward to introduce yourself. Sending a quick note afterward is the best way to introduce yourself without seeming too self-important.
Interruptions.
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
When you get interrupted, you might be tempted to just continue talking or even ask if you can finish what you were saying. This is treacherous territory. Instead, simply stop talking. The path of least resistance is silence.
Collaboration.
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
When collaborating with a man, type using only one finger. Skill and speed are very off-putting.
Disagreements.
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
When all else fails, wear a mustache so everyone sees you as more man-like. This will cancel out any need to change your leadership style. In fact, you may even get a quick promotion!
In conclusion...
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
Many women have discovered the secret power of non-threatening leadership. We call it a "secret power" because no one else actually knows about it. We keep our power hidden within ourselves so that it doesn't frighten and intimidate others. That's what makes us the true unsung heroes of the corporate world.
About the Author: Sarah Cooper
Sarah Cooper is a writer, comedian, and author of 100 Tricks to Appear Smart in Meetings. Her new book, How to Be Successful Without Hurting Men's Feelings, is out now.
The comedic book cover.
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
A satirical take on what it's like to be a woman in the workplace, Cooper draws from her experience as a former executive in the world of tech (she's a former Googler and Yahooer). You can get the book here.
This article was originally published on March 25, 2019.