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Alize Horn
Professor Nall
Rhet TR 925
Generation X
Regarding Generation X (1965-1980), they seem to have a lot of dilemmas, as do the
other generations. Growing up in Generation X wasnt so easy. In their childhood, divorce was
common. Therefore, being raised in a broken home was no surprise. This eventually led to the
children spending less time with their parents. Alongside of that, the child(ren) began taking care
of their sibling(s). They were known as the latchkey kids. Because of the parents away from
home working of only having one parent (due to divorce) and taking adult responsibilities of
taking care of siblings, the children began to see their own mother or father as older friends. Its
obvious that the children of Generation X had to grow up fast.
There were also strong financial and family issues at the time. As the children of
Generation X were growing up, some were entering the workforce in their 20s, which as at the
end of the 80s. Unfortunately, there was a job market crash and they were forced to move back
with their parents. Now keep in mind that because of their responsibilities as a child, all they
know is independency. Of course this mustve been hard for them. When the job market did
expand, only 43 percent of Generation X were earning minimum wage but still struggling. This
caused some to wait until their late 20s and early 30s for marriage, because taking care of a
child costs more money. Which they didnt have much of at the time. Also, between the ages of
35 and 44, there was 54 percent decline in median household net worth between 2005 and 2010.
This was said to be the largest drop of all ages.
As time went on, studies have shown that health and medical issues occurred within the
adult population of Generation X. According to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention, in

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2005 the smoking rates for ages 25 through 44 were 25.6 percent. The men consists of 28.4
percent while the women were 22.8 percent. Psychological issues such as, depression and
anxiety also came about. Some also had an eating disorder. If you were successful, achieved, and
class with extreme thinness is a plus. The health and medical issues are believed to be the effects
of their childhood troubles, which is agreeable and understandable.
Of course all generations have different cultures or ways to express themselves. But
Generation X was said to have one like no other. There was no particular names for their style.
The music they listened to were believed to be more sexual and depressing. Some popular artists
include: Courtney Love, Dr. Dre, Beastie Boys, Kurt Kobain, Vanilla Ice, Radiohead, Madonna
with her hit single, Like a Virgin and more. As compared to the music of the millennials, their
music were more happy and uplifting. Some of their favorite artists are: Chris Brown K.
Michelle, Ne-Yo, Robin Thicke, Beyonce, and more. Generation X hairstyles were spiky and
held stiff by gel. They also had vibrant colors such as electric blue. In definite contrast, the
millennial ladies are more natural or long, 100 percent human hair extensions or weaves. Whats
odd is the comparison in the clothing. During the 70s and 80s, they wore skinny-legged jeans
with slouchy tops. This is one of the popular styles for millennials, because fashion is a cycle.
Also, Generation X were growing up in the era of emerging technology such as, computers were
desktop appliances while millennials were born with already emerged technology.
For the sake of knowing, Generation X had a few historical events. For instance, on
November 4, 1979, the Iranian Hostage Crisis took place. More than 60 American hostages were
held by a group of Iranian students. The main, but not only, reason was the choice of President
Jimmy Carter to allow Shah, who had been banned from his country months before, to enter

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America for cancer treatment. The hostages were finally freed by the students on January 21,
1981.
Overall, Generation X seemed to be laid-back, cool generation. The real question is,
What couldve changed so their childhood wouldve been different for the better? The only
thing that would make sense for a possible solution is for a parent to be there with and for the
child(ren). But it is understandable that the parents were away making a living for their family.
But anyone? Any family member, a cousin, an aunt, a best friend of the parent(s), a trusted adult
to show the children some love and affection. To show them they were wanted and belong here.
Perhaps, it wouldve changed the way the children viewed the parents. Or, it couldve taken
away that adult responsibility of taking care of the siblings. Maybe take away the latchkey in
them. Values of Generation X are contribution and feedback and their attributes are adaptability
and of course, independence. As you can see, Generation X is a strong, one of a kind generation.