February 1, 2009

Generation X: Economic Ironies

This morning, while watching Good Morning America, Rita Braver (remember her?) reported on 30 years of tragedies and triumphs. The story was a look-back and a look-ahead, and included a part on "ginormous dreams," the evolution of language, which brought us "bling," and supersized portions.

Braver interviewed Marian Salzman, one of the world's top five trendspotters (I want this job). She said that based on the current economic crisis, Americans will have to get used to a new way of living, which will involve fewer material comforts and more soul comforts.

Please note that it appears the Generation X persona has increased its entire footprint over the U.S. economy. Gen Xers have long valued soul comforts over material possessions. How many articles do we have to read before we are convinced how great a generation we really are?

5 comments:

le @ thirdontheright said...

I think we might know we are good but there are just so few of us the word does not really get out ... you are making a difference to that.

BTW loving that header - maybe you best yet - :) hugs le

Barry Moses (Sulustu) said...

Hi Jen, I'm not sure how to send you an email, so I'll just send a comment. I know you'll receive my message all the same.

Anyway, TR and I have been talking about making a trip to Oklahoma City on the weekend of June 5-7. We want to visit the Red Earth Festival, and of course, we would REALLY like to have a dinner with all of us bloggers. Will you be around that weekend?

I'm very interested to meet you on two levels. On one level, I'm fascinated by the connections happening because of the blogosphere. On a deeper level, I also feel a certain kindred connection to you.

Let me know what you think. It would be fun to spend some time together, have dinner as families, and maybe take in some dancing at the powwow.

Best,

Barry

jenx67 said...

@Le - Thank you!

@Sulustu - That would be FANTASTIC. I definitely feel the kindred spirit. My husband volunteered at Red Earth last year, and he might do the same this year. We love to go, and yes, we'll be around that weekend b/c, ummmm, we never go anywhere! Ha! Sharing it with you guys would be awesome. My email is jenx67[at]cox[dot]net. At least I'm assured I'll meet TR, who lives less than a mile from me, by June. LOL.

Dave Sohigian said...

Jen,

Our generation certainly seems to have recognized that surviving on our own is the harsh reality. But do we really value soul comforts over material comforts? Gen-X'ers are such pragmatists that I wonder if there is much room for those sorts of comforts. I certainly know enough peers that long for them, but many are so busy in the race they just don't have time. Perhaps that is a feature of midlife more than a generational quality.

BTW, I like the blog, keep it up. I am blogging on generational issues as well at http://www.thegenxfiles.com

Dave

Daddy Forever said...

Our generation missed the Great Depression, but right now, we're experiencing a recession like one our generation has not had to live with before.