Characteristics of Generation X

 

 

 

Importance of relationships
Perhaps it is due to their lives which are highly structured by technology
and the hectic lifestyle of their parents which reduce quality time with the
family. Thus they have to look elsewhere for meaningful, fulfilling
relationships.

Starved for love
Since they are constantly in contact with technological devices such as
computers and TV, they crave for human affection . The desire to be loved
adds to their longing to have a certain sense of identity amidst a radically
changing society.

Individualism
Even as early as the 1930s, "individualism" had become a popular phrase. A
sense of unique identity is extremely important to them and they strive to
be different in as many ways as possible.

Diverse
With their liberal attitudes and eagerness to be loved, racial differences
are of little importance to them. They are united despite coming from
backgrounds, by a common outlook towards life.

Self-sufficient
Due to competitiveness of this era, the youths ultimately realise the
significance of independence and rely less on others to survive. Lack of
trust could also be a factor here. After all the working world is called a
'rat-race' today implying a selfish pursuit of material gains.

Down with institutions
Since belonging to an institution means commitment to the institutions'
rules and regulations and thus serve as a threat to individualism which they
uphold. Weariness of institutions comes from belonging to too many
throughout their lives such as schools and the government.

Commitment-wary
In line with their scepticism of institutions, they are repelled by
commitments. Individualism and a fast-paced life hinders any form of
commitment as it would only mean an extension of their working/school life.

Work and social life
Their working life are their grounds for interaction and socialising. When
they return home therefore, human interaction is not necessary.

Angst
Society often view Gen Xers rather disapprovingly. They are often labelled
slackers and thus leads to the accumulation of pain inside.

Change is welcome
The rapidly changing technology has forced the Gen Xers to be more adaptive
to the many simultaneous changes around them.

Risk-takers
Since they view themselves as unique vibrant modern youths and take pride in
it, they are not afraid to embrace a challenge. Risks are also taken in
order to gain excitement to escape from the monotony of their busy lives.

Truth and reason-pragmatism rules?
The Gen X often reject or resist traditional or conventional ideals of truth
and racism. Sinde they are in a financial-based society, they often rely on
pragmatism in orfer to overcome the risks.

Spiritual seekers
Ironically, even as they give little importance to truth and reason, they
are looking for a form of intter fulfilment! They do explore their inner
side where love is concerned.

No boundaries
Their sense of liberalism together with their own brand of individualism
invoke in Gen X a form of iron determination. Their eagerness to take a
chance explains why they perceive the world as withour boundaries,
preferring instead to have no limits as to what they can achieve.

Rules from the right authority
Living in a fast-paced society could easily result in a chaotic mindset.
Thus a certain form of order is needed. A suitable authority might be able
to guide their society.

They are stressed out and organised to death
They are often the victims of their own modern lifestyles. Competition
inevitably leads to stress.

Embrace technology
Technology is the window to the outside world, the borderless, racially
mixed world. Computers, television and handphones are such technological
devices which have become part of the Gen X's lives.

Unique style of communicating and learning
Especially after the advent of the internet, high-tech communication seems
to be very much preferred. This is essential with the deluge of information
that is available to them.

Media savvy
The vast amount of informative literature that is available in this
borderless world automatically makes the Gen-Xers even wiser in assessing
information, not taking most things at face value.

The love stories
Indeed stories serve as a good form of escapism from their hectic lives. Not
interested in 'weighty' topics, the descriptive would naturally appeal to them.

Music is huge
Music is an outlet for their spirituality to develop. To the Gen Xers ,music
is like chicken soup for their stressed souls. It also serves as a useful
outlet for their pent-up emotions and that explains the wide varieties of
music that have emerged lately.

Incredibly ambitious
They are rather idealised in thinking and since there are no boundaries
which can hinder their perspectives, they are ultimately ambitious.

Part of a Global Youth Culture
This is in line with their liberal attitudes and racial diversity which
leads to the establishment of a Global Youth Culture that is very widespread
as trends travel from nation to nation in a borderless world.