Every generation has its own stereotypes: boomers are out of touch, millennials are lazy, and Gen Z is woke. But what about Generation X? By comparison, society and the media frequently ignore them. They’ve had plenty of influence, but there are 18 reasons Gen X is being forgotten.
The Quiet Generation
Gen X receives far less criticism than baby boomers, millennials, and Gen Z because they’re quieter. Where other generations are outspoken, Gen X prefers to keep to themselves. As a result, they’re often drowned out by those older and younger than them in society, politics, and the workplace.
There’s Less of Them
According to Investopedia, there are around 65 million Gen X Americans compared to 69 million boomers and 72 million millennials, so Gen X is outnumbered. This means they receive less attention and usually get forgotten. Even as children, boomers always overwhelmed them, and millennials have far overtaken them, too.
They’re a Bridge Generation
Gen X falls between boomers and millennials on the generational scale. They were born in 1965 when boomers were still young, so they’re also the children of the Silent Generation. The youngest Gen Xers were born in 1980, just before millennials, so they’re often a forgotten bridge between two generations.
Less Notorious Than Boomers
If there’s one word to describe boomers, it’s notorious. Despite the massive wealth gap, they’re famously stereotyped as being wealthy, successful, and unsympathetic towards younger generations. Gen X are less notorious because they’ve struggled the same as those after them, yet their relatability is ignored.
Less Revolutionary Than Millennials
Millennials have revolutionized society since they were very young, mainly to protest boomers’ cultural influence. While Gen Xers could have gone down a similar route, they kept their heads down and made the best of things, working hard to make a place for themselves in society.
They’re Independent
Generation X is sometimes called the ‘latchkey generation’ because they were often left unsupervised at home while their parents worked. Forbes observes that this encouraged Gen X to become more self-reliant, resilient, and independent. They don’t ask questions–they just get on with it.
Caught in the Middle
Intergenerational warfare is often waged between boomers and millennials. Younger generations criticize boomers for damaging the economy and environment, while boomers return fire by calling young people ‘sensitive’ and ‘woke’. Gen X is caught in the middle of this and just wants to avoid conflict.
They’re Often Apathetic
There are fewer negative stereotypes about Gen X, but they have been criticized for being bleak and cynical. Gen X’s apathy results from being ignored by their peers, parents, and successors. They don’t make a fuss or try to sway people’s opinions, subsequently being forgotten even more.
Their Influence is Overlooked
Gen X were trailblazers in their own right, but their influence is overlooked. They grew up with the first computers, developed tons of technology, and invented countless music genres. Despite enjoying the fruits of their efforts, other generations don’t acknowledge how much Gen Xers have done.
They Won’t Challenge Convention
Gen Z is always challenging convention, so the spotlight is on them. By comparison, Gen X is much more laidback. They work their way up the corporate ladder, get married relatively young, and live their lives without conflict. They’ve embraced convention all their lives, so they’re regularly forgotten.
Getting Left Behind at Work
Gen X have been employed for a long time, yet they’re consistently left behind at work. Harvard Business Review dubs them the ‘leapfrog generation’ because they’re often overlooked for promotions compared to other generations. This is due to boomers refusing to retire and increased competition from younger millennials.
Embracing Both Worlds
Gen X is in a unique position; they knew the world before and after massive technological changes, and unlike boomers and millennials, they happily embraced both. Gen X is more flexible and finds it easier to adapt, so they fly under the radar.
Modesty
Younger generations are more outspoken and socially confident, so we constantly hear more about them. Gen X is known for being modest about their endeavors and accomplishments, which affords them more privacy than millennials and Gen Z. Even boomers brag much more than Gen X!
Traditional Values
Gen Z is known for being anti-traditionalist, but the same can’t be said of Gen X. They were raised to respect their elders, pursue further education, get careers, and have their own families. Things might be different now, but Gen X have already established their lives, and they don’t plan to change.
They’re Self-Made
We think of entrepreneurship as something modern, but it massively took off due to Gen X. They’re responsible for many successful start-up companies despite being neglected by the rest of the workforce. Sadly, their success is often ignored because they are separate from big businesses that have more social influence.
The Media does Not target them
Millennials and Gen Z are the most digitally savvy generations, so the media targets them, and boomers’ notoriety has raised their profile, too. That leaves little room for Gen X, who are rarely represented. Research Live reports that only 5% of media campaigns target Gen X, making them a digitally invisible generation.
They’re Stable
Gen X is one of the most stable generations. They don’t necessarily face the same financial challenges as millennials and Gen Z, nor are they unsettled by huge cultural shifts like boomers. They’re committed to their families and careers, so they’re in a good position and don’t need to announce that to society.
Happy to Be Forgotten
Last but not least, all Gen Xers know they’re being forgotten about, but many don’t mind. They don’t want to be embroiled in arguments with other generations or accused of being out of touch, lazy, or woke. Though it’s tough to be ignored, most Gen Xers have accepted it as reality.
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