Aait Com/156

Generation X Final Paper

Brian Jess

Com/156

Febuary 5, 2012

Jessica Pwlomey

Generation X Final Paper

What do you know about generation X? You probably recall the stereotypes that have been used over the years. “The slacker generation” is the one most I remember best. Although it is stated differently depending on who you ask, in general Generation X is, anyone born between 1961 and 1981 This group of people have lived through an interesting time in world history. Despite the negative stereotypical definition, Generation X is making many positive contributions to society and life, as we know it today. As Generation X is taking power from the Baby Boomers, medicine, media and the workplace are, for better or worse, in for a serious change.

Throughout the years, Generation X has had a different attitude shaped by a series of events, which in turn, has led to many negative stereotypes. Called the slacker generation as stated above, Gen X has watched the world with alienation and mistrust of traditional values. As a result, they have been labeled as cynical, pessimistic and, individualistic. Just over 40% of Gen X grew up with divorced parents; as a result, many ignore the traditional values associated with traditional marriage, among other things. They witnessed the energy crisis of 79, the election and attempted assassination of Ronald Regan, as well as, Reganomics, the fall of the Berlin wall, along with the fall of a majority of communism, the end of the cold war and, the savings and loan crisis that led to the recession of the early 90’s. Sometimes dubbed the MTV generation by the media, they also grew up watching U.S. urban decay, the war on drugs, the space shuttle Challenger tragedy, the AIDS epidemic and Desert Storm. Unlike their parents who challenged leaders with aspirations of taking their roles, GenX ignored authority all together.

According to "Genxpedia" (1995-2011), “The attitude of Generation X towards religion is more complex than other...