Let's Discuss the Boomers and Gen X!

Well, here goes nothing! Over my few years on this planet I have, from time to time, thought about the conundrum of that which we call "The Baby Boomers" and "Generation X." Now, I am one of the lucky ones. I function in Generation X. Where I work, the boomers are great. An open minded and progressive set. They explore new ideas, share information and appreciate the contributions of Generation X. (I write this mostly directed at Gen X as most of you reading this are of this generation.) But, outside of my place of employment it seems there are billions of the boomers, and they are everywhere. Reminds me of a song by Shellac: The Squirrel song. And I do quote:

" Because they were squirrels, REAL SQUIRRELS.... and there were thousands!!"
This is a must hear! Steve Albini sings it with such conviction.

Well, for lack of a better way of organizing this le me delve into a list.

1. The lable: Now come on, "Generation X?!" Please. I do not know the name of the author but, but... really. I know he was of Boomer age but... This just starts us with a dagger right through the heart and then kicks us when we are down on the floor. Ouch.

2. The band: Generation X. Now let's see. I generally like most of the music from the 1980's but these guys. If I have done my math correctly the guys in this band should be coming right on the mid to tail end of the Boomer generation. Yup Billy Idol! See what not wearing a helmet will do for you when riding a motor cycle. and for further reference from the band Generation X see Tony James and Sigue Sigue Sputnick. A fine song: "Love Missle F-111." Oh boy!

3. Some results of The Boomer Generation:
On the huge plus side: Civil rights, technology, ... um. Give me some time as I know there is good stuff here. Oh here's a few: Cell phones. Cable television.

On the other side of the fence:
Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, disco, super inflated university costs (it's true, for reference see the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the numbers are all there. Screwing up Social Security (we have not had a real chance yet), prolonging the already way too long "Cold War," replacing the term "Cold War" with "The War on Terror," George Jr. and his pals are of the Boomer age. Thanks for that one guys. Um... let's see. Oh boy this is fun. Not passing the E.R.A. Hey it's fair... they voted the people into office.

4. And the idea of Gen X being lazy, jaded, under employed and over educated. Now that one just hurts. Most of the Boomers are the employers! And you helped us get our good educations. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love mine but how do we get employed by the Boomers with the big degrees with their view of us as lazy that was created by a Boomer! AAAAAAAHHHH! Help me out with this conundrum.

And again I bring you another round of confusing thoughts, ideas and endless prattle. There are many boomers I love and admire. All of the professors during my college years were Boomers and taught me of the world. My parents as well. They gave me the ability to question what I see and to make a difference in the world. But how do you get past the confusion of that which they created? It's a real life oxymoron!

Until Next time...