EOC

"The baby boom was followed by a “birth dearth,” creating another generation of 49 million people born between 1965 and 1976. Author Douglas Coupland calls them Generation X because they lie in the shadow of the boomers and lack obvious distinguishing characteristics. The Generation Xers are defined as much by their shared experiences as by their age. Increasing parental divorce rates and higher employment for their mothers made them the first generation of latchkey kids. Although they seek success, they are less materialistic; they prize experience, not acquisition. For many of the Gen Xers that are parents, family comes first—both children and their aging parents—and career second. From a marketing standpoint, the Gen Xers are a more skeptical bunch. They tend to research products before they consider a purchase, preferring quality over quantity, and they tend to be less receptive to overt marketing pitches." - Marketing an Introduction, pg. 73

"Both the baby boomers and Gen Xers will one day be passing the reins to the Millennials (also called Generation Y or the echo boomers). Born between 1977 and 2000, these children of the baby boomers number 83 million, dwarfing the Gen Xers and larger even than the baby boomer segment." - Marketing an Introduction, pg. 73

"One thing that all of the Millennials have in common is their utter fluency and comfort with digital technology. They don’t just embrace technology, it’s a way of life. The Millennials were the first generation to grow up in a world filled with computers, cellphones, satellite TV, iPods, and online social networks." - Marketing an Introduction, pg. 74

I was born in 1975 which puts me very close to being on the cusp of Generation X and the Millennials. And while I can assure you that I will never fall prey to the "used car salesman" routine as a GenX, like the Millennials, I tend to slide deeply into withdrawals if I'm not buying the latest and greatest tech devices.

I was really hoping that Steve Jobs was eventually going to get around to creating a way to connect to the internet through a wireless signal and cranial implant. But I suppose that will have to be left up to the next technology guru.

As far as treasuring experience over material possessions, I kind of fall in the middle. I desire fame and fortune just like anyone else. I want to own (payment free of course) exotic cars, multiple homes, top of the line electronics and technological devices, and have the freedom to travel wherever, whenever, and however I want. But for me, I would also require that I earned them all on my own and gained my wealth through knowledge and experience. I would have to know that what I have has value because it wasn't just handed to me.

If I was asked to pick which generation I feel I belong to the most, it would have to be my actual Generation X generation. I fail to understand the illogical mindset of the Millennials and their unwavering need to be "online" wherever they go.

I also don't understand why the Millennials seem so detached from humanity, but I assume it's because they're always plugged in to the virtual world which will rob anyone of their ability to interact directly with people in the real world no matter what generation they are.

I still listen to all the "hair bands" of the 80's, I love playing old arcade games, and there are still times that I want to just Lick it Up Slow and Easy, let loose 99 Red Ballons, go get some Girls, Girls, Girls, let them Talk Dirty to Me, and party like it was 1999. If you'd like to, grab your Rubik's Cube, put on your Swatch watches, cuff the bottom of your jeans, and let's do it Generation X style!!