Some Gen Xers hanging out in detention.
While generational stereotypes don't apply to everyone, there are significant differences between how Baby Boomers (1944 to 1964), Gen X (1965 to 1980), and Millenials (1981 to 1996) were raised.
Baby Boomers tended to grow up in homes where one parent stayed home and the other worked outside of the house. Millennials are known for having over-involved "helicopter" parents.
Then, there's Gen X.
The smaller, cooler generation that, according to a 2004 marketing study "went through its all-important, formative years as one of the least parented, least nurtured generations in U.S. history."
Gen X was the first generation to be born during the divorce boom, so many were raised by single parents or in blended families.
They were the first generation that experienced both parents working outside the home. But, unfortunately, at the same time, childcare centers and afterschool programs had not yet emerged to a significant extent.
via SuperBass / Wikimedia Commons
"There was a weak support network for children of working mothers," Cathy Sandeen writes in Continuing Higher Education Review. "Many members of Generation X were the infamous 'latch key kids' who stayed home by themselves after school until their parents returned from work.
Many Gen Xers had a feral-style upbringing which is looked down upon by both previous and subsequent generations. But it gave them a unique set of coping skills.
"Generation X were the resilient 'survivors,' who, though somewhat cynical, pessimistic, and suspicious, found a way to successfully negotiate their challenging social environment," Saneen continues.
So as health officials are encouraging people to stay in their homes and practice social distancing, it's Gen X's time to shine.
They were raised improvising after school snacks with what was left in the cupboards, entertaining themselves while unsupervised, and knew the dangers of opening the door to strangers.
Gen Xers on Twitter now feel deputized to show the rest of the world how to social distance with that special brand of Gen-X cool that Millennials could never achieve.
Social isolation? Gen X was born to do it.
'Latch key kid' skills are forever.
#GenX Made our lunch, got ourselves to school & home after w/the key around our necks. Did chores. "Helped" make dinner. Did the dishes then homework.
— WhyGawdWhy 🇺🇦🇺🇦 (@dismyaccount66) March 15, 2020
Boomer parents-"I'm so tired! I work all day! Cook for me! Clean for me! Now go away-see & not be seen!"
Proud GenX'r
We are EXPERTS at being left unattended.
— The Hoarse Whisperer (@TheRealHoarse) March 15, 2020
I could live off Flinstone’s reruns and dry cat food for months.
Amen, sister. “I’m goin to London for 3wks. There’s some postdated checks on the fridge, some cream chipped beef in the freezer. Your brother’s friend will check in on you once a day. Do your homework and stuff. Byeee!” “Whatever, ma.” (Plops on couch, watches “Taxi Driver.”)
— Chris Orbach (@chrisorbach) March 15, 2020
I remember when my parents decided I was old enough to leave me home alone for a week while they flew to Mexico in 1982.
— IrishJenn 🌊 🇮🇪🇺🇸 Get Vaxxed (@Irishjenn2005) March 15, 2020
I was 14.
It's time for the "forgotten generation" to lead.
As an X'er I feel like my whole life has led up to this important moment when my nation will call upon me to do nothing.
— Rob Rainbolt (@Rob_Rainbolt) March 15, 2020
My parents are brainwashed by Fox News. My kids are clueless without WiFi. We must lead the way, it is our time to shine. #GenX
— Paul (@ghostaccount7up) March 15, 2020
My people, it's our time to shine! Let's just do what we do best, watch the boomers and millenials go at each other while we sit at home, safe, because honestly we're too fucking exhausted and pessimistic to go out anyway #GenX
— Veronica (@that_vero_girl) March 15, 2020
I see #GenX is trending.
— The one and only Grace Mourby🕷️ (@badgraciebabes) March 15, 2020
We survived the Pepsi challenge, we got this.
We are #GenX and we know what’s up. pic.twitter.com/wZOSHs50jv
— Pete Cowles (@OpinionatedPete) March 16, 2020
Gen Xers are loving each other right now.
I love my generation #GenXhttps://t.co/UcmAxXK5pI
— Dina Natale (@RecruiterDina) March 13, 2020
Finally, some recognition 40 years later. Whatever. #GenXpic.twitter.com/MHW9V0Im40
— jason@calacanis.com (@Jason) March 15, 2020
When I see #GenX trending & they're all tweets about how fucking awesome & adaptable our generation is pic.twitter.com/r3Sz0lwAop
— Mikiran (she/her) (@iammikiran) March 15, 2020
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