I've always been rather chuffed about belonging to a small group of people who are without a generational label. Too young to be babyboomers - apparently you have to be born between the end of the Second World War in August 1945 and 30 June 1961 to be one of those - and too old for Generation X, we early 1960s babies have been happily wandering around the planet this past 40-odd years without a moniker.
So, it was with some disappointment that I found it reported on the front page of this morning's The Age, that I, together with Barack Obama, the late Princess of Wales, Meg Ryan and kd lang, belong to Generation X.
Oh no I don't. I'm sticking with the definition that Gen-X started with babies born in 1965, because that way, I don't have to conform to any generational stereotypes. (Don't get me started on the current workplace obsession with the needs of Generation Y.)
It's all to do with perception of course. In the same week that I turned (gulp) 47, I was happy to hear another 1961 baby - Obama - repeatedly described as a young, fresh leader. Although, the new conservative Prime Minister of New Zealand John Key is only 'relatively young' at 47, according to The Age. Then again, Mr Key is a whole five days older than Senator Obama.
Whatever. Just let those of us born between mid-1961 and 1964 keep our label-less state.
5 comments:
Interesting post and blog. People our age do have a label...a label which has already gained quite a bit of widespread awareness and acceptance. And that's a good thing; while there are advantages to being label-less, there are far more advantages to us having our place as a bona fide generation, and having out collective voice factored into the national debate.
As many prominent experts and publications have pointed out: Obama is part of Generation Jones, born 1954-1965, between the Boomers and GenXers.
This link takes you to a page you may find interesting: it has, among other things, excerpts from publications like Newsweek and the New York Times, and videos with over 25 top pundits, all talking specifically about Obama’s identity as a GenJoneser:
http://www.generationjones.com/2008election.html
Sorry mate, but you *are* a Gen X baby. 1960-1979. It's just that us late sixties/early seventies ones get the most attention! :)
Talk about a can of worms! I've always thought it hilarious that the BabyBoomer cut off is 30 June 1961, which makes Princess Diana one of the very first post-boomers, as her birthday was 1 July 1961. What a difference a day makes.
The Generation Jones thing is very interesting connectingthedots - just having a quick google at it during my lunch hour to find out more (how very Gen-Y of me!).
Kath, where does your definition come from? According to some of the stuff I've just read, you're be a Gen-Jones too, as you're a 68 baby.
And should we get started on star signs now? (Written completely in jest!)
I think I'm in the X-Y gap
Or I thought I did, until they changed Gen X ending from 78 to 81, lousy punk kids...
I don't associate with Gen X, we're supposed to like Nirvana and saving the planet, and I've got a log fire and listen to Bananarama...and I've never had a depressing journal...
Miles, but I thought Bananarama belonged to us, Gen-No-Name! I remember when those girls did backing vocals to the guy from The Specials....
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