Generation What? An Outcast of Generation X

Generation What? An Outcast of Generation X

Reflecting upon my writing is one of the most difficult tasks I have ever been asked to do. Looking back upon my work, I realize that this is one of the most important papers I have written. Not only was this piece the first paper I have written for a writing studio, it also enabled me to release some of the frustrations I have with my generation.

Generation X. Slackers. Twentysomethings. There has been so much written about this group. There have been countless attempts by the media to analyze them. The media panders to and laughs at them, almost in the same breath. They discuss the group's alienation and disaffection, and their pride in multiculturalism. The media mocks their seemingly constant depression and applauds their tolerance and open-mindedness. Movies such as Reality Bites and Singles show this group in all its glory. Most people in this age group watch these movies and feel a connec tion with them. The backdrops of these characters' lives, and the experiences these characters face are similar to their own. However, I, as well as many of my peers, cannot relate to any of the so-called "Gen eration X" movies, TV shows, music, etc. While we are all in the correct age group, these forms of entertain ment are for the products of a white, middle-class, suburban upbringing. This category leaves out a con siderable amount of young Americans.

The whole concept of a Generation X reminds me of junior high school, where knowing the right people, wearing the right clothes, and listening to the right music means status and popularity. Back in junior high, there was the popular crowdrich kids, ath letes, and beautiful people. These popular people had one thing in common conformity. They all wore the same type of clothes with the same brand names. They went to all the socially key functionsparties, dances, etc. As much as twentysomethings would like to think they have progressed beyond this point, they have not. Generation X also has a popular crowd. Instead of going to the socially key parties, they attend concert events like Lollapalooza and Woodstock '94. Instead of going out of their way to look like everyone else, they go out of their way not to look like everyone elseand end up looking like everyone else in the process. The audience at a Lollapalooza concert is a study in nonconformist conformity.