Gen-X vs. Millennials: I Don’t Think So
My Brother Aram sent me this video:
This is a powerful statement about the marketing of the Millennials generation as the anti-Generation-X kids. The generation they are referring to as "Lost" is probably not the true Lost Generation (born 1883-1900) but the next generation that followed in a similar vein (Generation X, my generation). We actually have a lot in common with the Lost generation. The Lost were ignored as children (adults were busy with adult issues like Suffragettes), alienated in our youth (think "roaring 20's" young adults) and pretty pragmatic by the time they hit midlife (on the way through the Depression and leading up to WWII). In general we are viewed as pessimists (I would call us pragmatists, but then, I am an optimist 
The Millennials can be seen as the polar opposite. Raised with careful attention (starting with "babies on board" in 1981) and strong values as well as high expectations, they are set to be the next "Hero" generation (much like the GI's born 1901-1924). So that "can do" attitude is more than marketing, it is the real hopes and aspirations for an entire generation. That is the vibe that Obama (a pragmatic X'er) struck upon in his campaign so successfully. Optimism is in. Yes we can, yes we can. My kids are part of this generation.
If you wait until the end of the video you will see the organization responsible for this message is the AARP, which is primarily focused on issues concerning a different generation, The Boomers. The older Millennials are the kids of Boomers (while much of the younger portion is parented by Gen-X). This is the same generation that has given us ideological and culture wars for the last 20 years or so (Bush and Clinton were both Boomers).
On the surface, the message in the video is very true to each generation
- The pessimistic Gen-X'ers and the optimistic Millennials
- The individualistic Gen-X'ers and the team-oriented Millennials
- The pragmatic Gen-X’ers and the idealistic Millennials
But the idea that somehow the Gen-X’ers failed and the Millennials will succeed is a fallacy. Comparing these generations attitudes during their youth is not as important as seeing how they will work together to change the world. Having the tough, capable and pragmatic Gen-X’ers working alongside the idealistic, team-oriented and enthusiastic Millennials is just the right recipe. We both have lots to teach each other.
Subscribe by Email
Recent Posts
- Understanding how generations affect our future.
- Nomads and Commanders
- Watch out Teachers: Gen X is gunning for you…
- Generation X: Badboys to the Last
- More Silent Disdain for Gen X’er Palin
Recent Comments
- Carl on 10 Best Generation X Movies Ever
- ZonieGenX on More Silent Disdain for Gen X’er Palin
- Del on Does Generation Jones Exist?
- dsohigian on Does Generation Jones Exist?
- Mike on Does Generation Jones Exist?
Blogroll
- Generation XPert
- JenX67
- JessieX
- Junk Drawer 67
- Latchkey Man
- Neil Howe’s Generations Blog
- Old Man Neill
- Popcorn in my Bra
- XTCIAN
February 10th, 2009 - 18:20
Wow, good post, Dave! I liked the AARP video. Very cool and optimistic. I guess you could say I’m a cynic in search of redemption, so I liked its hopeful tone.
February 11th, 2009 - 06:45
Jen,
I think there are many of us Gen-X’ers who are in that same boat: tired of being cynical, but still not sure how to get redemption. But, as usual, making the effort is the important thing and I believe our generation is key in the transformation that is coming.
Dave
March 17th, 2009 - 16:47
I sometimes wonder how much of the “vs.” in “Xers vs. Millennials” is due to the direct and indirect influence of Boomers. There are huge cultural differences between Xers and Yers, but I’m beginning to wonder if there is a latent synergy there that is going to blow what the Boomers did out of the water in the next 20-30 years. I’m beginning to suspect that Boomers sense this, and part of the “taking Yers under their wing” is not just due to them being Boomers’ kids age, but also a desire to co-opt collaboration with them and use them as a fountain of youth and relevance. I’ve spent years resenting certain aspects of both Xers and Yers, but I’ve come around to the idea that collaboration between the two generations is long overdue. I can’t see any other way than that to keep Boomers from taking yet another bit of thunder.
March 23rd, 2009 - 06:00
Typical boomer stuff. Gen-Xers don’t care because we don’t care the way that they want us to, or using their catch-phrases.
May 12th, 2009 - 20:17
This blog is similar to what you spoke about in class, which I enjoyed and found very thought provoking. Basically at the surface it seems as though neither the boomers or generation Xers really like us. they think we waste your lives watching TV and going on Facebook. And yes we do do that on top on everything else. We are the multitasking generation and I have no hope we will end up living up to our “hero” archetype because thats the thing about us, it may seem like we are stupid and can’t even read more than two paragraphs but we are just different. Our generation had adapted to the modern world and thats the natural cycle. The newest generation is the most evolved, not the smartest or the dumbest. Any competition between generations is a total waste of time. Like the blog said, gen xers have strengths that my generation doesn’t and vice versa. And thats a good thing.
May 13th, 2009 - 08:44
@Tessa – I agree that you are great multi-taskers and I hope it is clear that I also have little doubt that your generation will live up to the Hero archetype. I also agree that every generation has strengths and weaknesses and that the task of each generation is to figure out how to use all of our strengths together as effectively as possible. As you point out, understanding and accepting these strengths and weaknesses (rather than calling them “dumb” or “smart”) is the first and most important step in that journey.
May 12th, 2009 - 20:23
Being the typical millennial I didn’t read my comment through until after I posted it…oops.
Correction #1- they think we waste OUR lives…
Correction#2- …I hope no DOUBT we will end up living…
Btw, thank you for coming to our class and giving us a new perceptive on the generations.
May 13th, 2009 - 08:41
@Tessa – but how Un-Millennial of you to go back and correct it
I had a great time teaching in your class.
March 6th, 2010 - 18:28
Why does their music suck? It is terrible and unlistenable. Maybe the sunset is creeping up on me and I am getting old man syndrome? I was listening to my favorite sports talk radio station the other day (dominated by Gen Xers) and they had a roundtable discussion with millenials. One of the kids mentioned Blink 182 as "their generational band"…case in point. Gen X: Millenials :: Greeks: Romans, with the perspective that the Romans stole their culture from the Greeks.
May 13th, 2010 - 02:25
Great post – appreciated the demographic comparisons. And the AARP ad was genius! Thanks for putting it all together in a helpful way. From a boomer who continues valuing the unique and effective contributions of Gen-Xers and Millennials!