What I appreciate you about your generation is that you are helping to further change the workforce in a way that’s going to make it less arduous and more joyful for everyone. (which BTW, we laid the groundwork for, as the generation before us laid the groundwork for Gen Xers) But the similarity you have with other generations when looking at Gen X is that you greatly underestimate us and the value we contribute – and that’s okay – getting it from both ends and not being able to depend on the “insitutional systems” (like family, marriage, or work) for support like the generation before or after us has made us VERY strong . Gen Y’s frequently tell me they are amazed at things I do alone which I consider very easy and simple to do which they seem to need to take a consensus about and become paralyzed with indecision, even about personal choices. I learn a lot about the power of the group from Gen Ys, feel less alone and appreciate how they like to give everyone attention – even if I do consider it superficial and a bit inauthentic, but I realize the importance of everyone feeling good and work needing to be more merged in with fun and life.

Gen X were not supported by the systems and had to make our own way, which made them really resiliant and a bit cynical -Gen Y’s are glorified by the system and in a way very trapped and dependent on it for their identity because of this. Each way has pros and cons. Gen X are not saints, but neither is Gen Y.. each has hangups they need to get over.

I’m the first to admit we Gen Xers need to get over how “rough” we had it.

I didn’t get to rely on family for my support for my life purpose, I didn’t get to use the tools of the workforce in a way that supported me as a person. I didn’t get automatic support to do the things I wanted to do financially. This made the me see the flaws in our institution and areas where they needed changed and improved. (Which has a purpose in the greater scheme of things) I had to find out who I was deep down, because I had no other choice. I had to affirm myself and believe in myself because no one else did. (except some great friends along the way). As a result, I know myself inside and out and I’m authentic, and I see through the pretense. When I get attention I know it’s usually because I am genuine, and I know the difference when someone is just trying to use me by flattering me. I have the skills and the strength I’ve built from knowing my own identity – and this I’ve garned by NOT HAVING SUPPORT helped to speed this along so I can shine through. Gen Y’s were supported by the system and had praise heaped upon you from an early age whether it was true or not – so you guys are more likely to gloss over the problem spots with your idealism thinking they will just go away and less likely to develop your individuality apart from the institutions.

You Gen Y’s do have it easier with systems, and it’s easier to have a positive attitude about them intially when they *seem* to support and glorify you, but I do not envy you. You guys have had a HUGE burden of expectation unfairly placed upon you with no training, justification or preparation for it. You guys don’t get attention and praise for who you are as a person or what you have truly accomplished but for what others expected of you and wanted you to be. Playing the role of “Hero” isn’t going to feel so great in the long run when the tarnish on your crown starts to show. After awhile the adulation placed upon you will start to feel like a facade and your soul will cry out for something a little deeper and more genuine. You guys want to think of yourself as the strong ones – but When a genuine system change is needed and someone needs to take a stand you guys are afraid to make waves to upset the system because you’ve come to rely on it so much, haven’t developed your individuality apart from the system, and you’re afraid to risk losing the false adoration you receive because you fall apart without it – a toughened Gen Xer who doesn’t give a crap about that sort of thing will come along and break down the walls while everyone scorns them as being “negative” and pave the way for a new system you can follow and build upon.

We need to create new systems together instead of fighting with eachother, and learn from one another. There is power in individuality and power in the group and you can’t have one without the other.

So why don’t you Gen Yers stop looking down at us Gen Xers and feeling sorry for us in a way that’s secretly gloating over your perceived superiority behind our backs – and we’ll start listening to you in spite of your facades, and your innovative ideas for the group relating and accept your idealism about life as something to aspire to, and we’ll also stop pointing out that the Gen Y emperors that everyone are raving about as the stylish saviors of the human race really have no clothes on.

@Caitlin – thanks for stopping by! From now on, perhaps you can send them straight over here as well… *wink*

With regards to Generation X and Gen Y moving into positions of power, Gen X has a very different attitude than the Boomers. We understand the work place is very fluid, developed resiliency for change, and have low expectations on being handed positions of power. The main tension that I see is not with listening to Gen Y and sharing power as we have continually adapted. Rather the main tension that I see is that Gen Y likes to combine work and social life while are more inclined to keep them separate.
.-= Deadhedge´s last blog ..That’s Deep: the Anti-MBA View of the Economy =-.

HD4006 – thanks for letting me know about Generation Jones. I’ll look into it.

About a year ago, I embraced social media marketing for selling artwork, and it is the best thing going for artists. It’s easier to skip the “gatekeeping” galleries if you prefer and sell on your own. Even if an artist works with galleries, he or she can promote events/shows on Twitter and Facebook and on their own blog or with an email newsletter to subscribers.

Those artists who are not already firmly established with collectors may find it impossible to get established without knowing how to use their computers. While it’s true that many art collectors aren’t social media savvy, it’s just a matter of time until they get that way. Even my parents generation is using Facebook now.

Google Generation Jones, and you’ll see it’s gotten a ton of media attention, and many top commentators from many top publications and networks (Washington Post, Time magazine, NBC, Newsweek, ABC, etc.) now specifically use this term. In fact, the Associated Press’ annual Trend Report forecast the Rise of Generation Jones as the #1 trend of 2009. Here’s a page with a good overview of recent media interest in GenJones: http://generationjones.com/2009latest.html

It is important to distinguish between the post-WWII demographic boom in births vs. the cultural generations born during that era. Generations are a function of the common formative experiences of its members, not the fertility rates of its parents. Many experts now believe it breaks down more or less this way:

DEMOGRAPHIC boom in babies: 1946-1964
Baby Boom GENERATION: 1942-1953
Generation Jones: 1954-1965
Generation X: 1966-1978

Here is an op-ed about GenJones as the new generation of leadership in USA TODAY:
http://www.usatoday.com/printedition/news/20090127/column27_st.art.htm