MEAWW.COM / NEWS / HUMAN INTEREST

Here's why 'no f***s' Gen X is probably the greatest generation EVER!

Political analyst David Gergen ruffled some feathers when he declared that it was time for Gen Z and Millennials to take over from the Baby Boomers

Caught between the baby boomers and Gen Z, there is a section of humanity that almost never basks in the limelight. Despite building the modern world and holding the guardrails to preserve it, Gen X is perhaps the most ignored and least celebrated for its achievements. 

Political analyst and former presidential adviser David Gergen ruffled some feathers when he declared that the 'Boomer' generation had been running the country for decades and it was time for them to be replaced by 'Millennials' and 'Gen Z' aka the younger generations. Many wondered why Gergen had conveniently skipped any mention of Gen X — a forgotten demographic that has embraced monumental change with stoic resilience and often "cleaned up everyone’s messes." 

RELATED ARTICLES

William Shatner shuts down millennials after one of them calls him a boomer: 'All that your generation does is point fingers'

Karey Burke slammed for saying SON told her Gen Z is '40% queerer' and Disney should 'get with it'

"Baby Boomers have been running the country for nearly three decades. Some successes, a number of disappointments. It's time to pass the baton to younger generations — Millennials & Gen Z. Pls join us for conversation tonite on @CNN with @ACCooper about my new book on subject," 80-year-old Gergen tweeted on Wednesday, May 11.

The post sparked a backlash from Gen X Twitterati, but the outrage was rather characteristic — i.e. far from unhinged. Here's why it is probably the greatest generation ever.

"Sir, Gen X would like a word," researcher Sarah Minnis wrote in response to Gergen. "I realize we’re a smaller group and prone to sitting quietly while others’ needs are met, but seriously! Could y’all just once remember that we’re here holding down the fort and holding the universe together for everyone?!? Pass the hot pockets."

"Or maybe the actual next generation who’s pissed as hell about how Boomers have effed everything up… from Gen X, who will gladly work with any generation who wants to save the planet and democracy at the same time," one Twitter user added.

"This tweet is the perfect encapsulation of Gen X, always forgotten, ignored, left on our own... And expected to clean up all the mess," Ohio politician Shannon Freshour added.

Some listed Gen X qualities that other generations possibly lack.

"I'm pretty sure Gen X was holding shit down also. We are the Latchkey kids that were left on our own A LOT. We learned how to get shit done on our own without parental supervision. And managed to stay alive while doing some crazy, dangerous shit. Just sayin'," one tweeted.

"I think Gen X is so often an afterthought bc we get shit done without complaint, clean up everyone’s messes without any expectation of praise, and slide right back onto the couch as if we were never there. But we were. We’re so awesome that you didn’t notice. Fine by us," author Allison Winn Scotch offered.

"Gen X never aspired to be the greatest generation. We just want to be the least terrible," sports broadcaster Dan McLaughlin tweeted.

"Gen X is leading & holding up orgs & workplaces + families as the sandwich Gen. We’re the generation that bridges analog & tech worlds while being adept in soft skills & communication. We were raised w/ independence not afforded by helicopter parenting that shaped younger gens," another user chimed in.

Podcaster Rachel Vindman asked Gergen what Gen X should do with the "remainder of their lives" after being consistently ignored by others like him.

"What do you suggest Gen X does with the remainder of their lives? Asking for many friends," she tweeted. One of the responses read, "I propose Gen X Island, where we can live out the rest of our days with our forgotten peers, watching movies on the VCR, snacking on Jiffy Pop and Tang... Saturday morning cartoons & tearing up our mouths with Cap'n Crunch, riding bikes with no helmets, listening to records." Another quipped, "Join me in creating the senior home just for us. It won’t be fancy but the music will be good and we’ll put up signs for everyone else to stay away."

According to Kasasa, baby boomers were born between 1946 and 1964 and are currently between 57-75 years old. Gen X was born between 1965 and 1980 and is currently between 41-56 years old. Gen Y, also known as Millennials, were born between 1981 and 1996, and are currently between 25 and 40 years old. Gen Z is the latest generation, born between 1997 and 2012. They are currently between 9 and 24 years old.